The former Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan, internationally condemned for restricting access to the internet, may drop its restrictions on internet access and internet sites, the leading contender for president said.

President-for-Life Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the Central Asian state with an iron fist until his sudden death on December 21, restricted people's access to the Internet as part of his policy of silencing his opponents. The ban also prevented the population from accessing web sites for retail trade, education, communications and news.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders black-listed Turkmenistan "an enemy of the Internet".

But presenting his election programme, acting president Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov suggested he would reverse Niyazov's policy if elected at polls on February 11.

"I consider that the international network Internet and new communications technology must be accessible for every citizen," Berdymukhamedov said.

It was not immediately clear if Berdymukhamedov, who pledged loyalty to Niyazov's line after his death and is the favourite to win election, intended to try to open up the isolated country to outside influences.

Niyazov, who basked in a bizarre personality cult, ruled his gas-rich country of five million like a personal fiefdom, stifling all dissent and controlling all mass media during his two decades in power.

Niyazov drew sharp international criticism too over his policy on education in which he reduced the number of school years, ruled invalid foreign education degrees and imposed curbs on learning foreign languages.

Berdymukhamedov, who made his comments at a public meeting, drew applause by promising to lengthen the number of years at school and send gifted children to study abroad. ITPRO