The authoritarian Niyazov, who has assumed the title of "Turkmenbashi", or "Leader of all Turkmen", was accused of developing a totalitarian cult of personality. His opus, the Ruhnama, was made a mandatory reading in Turkmenistan's schools and months of the calendar were renamed after members of his family. Opposition parties are banned in Turkmenistan and the government controls all sources of information. In December 1999, Turkmenistan's constitution was amended to allow Niyazov to serve as president for life.
tHe auTHOriTAriAn NiyazOv, Who has AssumED The tITle of "turKMenbAshi", oR "LeadEr of AlL TurkmEn", was AccuSed OF DEvelOPIng A totaLITarIan cult OF peRsonalitY. His oPus, the ruhNaMA, was made a mandaTory ReadiNg in TurkMEnistaN'S Schools aNd monThS oF The CaleNdaR WeRE rEnAmED after membERs Of his family. oppositIon PArtiEs are BannED iN tUrKmeNiStaN And The GOVErNmEnt coNtROls alL sources of inFormation. In DeceMBer 1999, tuRKmENistan's ConsTitution was aMendeD TO aLlOw niyaZoV to SErvE as PResidEnt fOr liFE.