ARTICLE 84. The system of local self-government is formed by the gengeshes and bodies of territorial public self-government.

The gengeshes are representative bodies of people's government in a city within an etrap, settlement or gengeshlik. Members of a gengesh are directly elected by citizens for a term of three years.

Article 85. The gengesh are independent in doing their activities. Their relations with bodies of authority and government are formed in accordance with the legislation of Turkmenistan.

ARTICLE 86. The gengeshes are competent to:
1) define key areas of the economic, social and cultural development of their territories;

2) approve local budgets and budget implementation reports;

3) impose local charges and determine collection procedures;

4) define measures to rationally use natural resources and protect the natural environment;

5) deal with other issues placed within the competence of the gengeshes by the law.

Within their competences, the gengeshes take decisions that are binding in their jurisdictions.

ARTICLE 87. A gengesh elects an archyn from among its members who manages the work of the gengesh and is accountable to it. Archyns ensure the enforcement decisions of the gengesh and acts of bodies of authority and government and decide on other issues of local significance.

ARTICLE 88. The law defines the operating procedures of the local halk maslahatys, gengeshes and other bodies of public self-government.