The One and Only: Saparmurat Niyazov

• Niyazov was born 19 February 1940. He died in 21 December 2006.
• He was First Secretary of the Turkmen Communist Party from 1985 until 1991 and continued to lead Turkmenistan for 15 years after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
• He was referred to by "His Excellency" and Türkmenbaşy, Leader of the Turkmens.
• In 1994, Niyazov's term was extended to 2002 so he could oversee a 10-year development plan. The official results showed that 99.9% of voters approved this proposal. 
• On December 28, 1999, Parliament declared Niyazov President for Life.