[3] From 2018 to 2023 it was the upper chamber of Turkmenistan's Parliament, the "National Council" (Turkmen: Milli Geňeş).

As of 22 January 2023 the full membership and size of the People's Council were unclear, but Turkmen state media declared it would include "representatives of state organs, society, regions, including wise elders, youth being the country's future.

The former deputy chairperson was identified in Turkmen state media as chief of staff (Russian: управляющий делами) in February 2023.

The law governing the People's Council stipulates that it will1) review and approve proposals on issues on adoption of the Constitution or Constitutional laws of Turkmenistan, their amendment and augmentation; 2) review and approve basic directions of domestic and foreign policy of the state, as well as programs and laws on the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the country; 3) hear annual addresses of the President of Turkmenistan; 4) review issues of peace and security; 5) fulfill the right of legislative initiative; 6) fulfill any other authorities foreseen in Turkmen law.

Like the Assembly of Turkmenistan (the parliament), it was led by the President, who was constitutionally the head of both the legislative and the executive branches of government.

Their influence has been fairly limited even on paper and probably even more so in practice, taking into account that Turkmenistan is a dominant-party state ruled mostly by its president.

[25] President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was among candidates elected to the People's Council as a member from Ahal province.

[28][29] On 14 April 2021, President Berdimuhamedow appointed eight additional members: Kasymguly Babaýew, Guwançmyrat Agaýew, Batyr Orazmämmedow, Dünýägözel Gulmanowa, Merettagan Taganow, Serdar Gaýypow, Merdan Halnazarow, and Çarygeldi Babanyýazow.