Toronto star:
"There was no designated successor and Niyazov's death raises concerns about the transfer of power in the country, with foreign oil and gas companies sizing up opportunities for investment."
...
"A special commission has been set up to work out the details of Niyazov's funeral.
Deputy Prime Minister Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov was named to head the commission. In Soviet times, this person often became the successor, but it was not clear if this precedent would be followed in Turkmenistan.
Opposition sources said Berdymukhamedov was a relative of Niyazov, though this has never been acknowledged officially."