Putin allows regions to cancel direct governors’ election

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill allowing regions to cancel the direct governor elections. The document was published at the official website containing the information on laws. The law initiated by legislators from the State Duma was adopted by the lower house of parliament on March 22 and by the Federation Council on March 27. Under the new rules regions will be given a free hand to hold direct elections or choose through the regional legislature from the number of candidates nominated by the president. Only parties that enjoy mandates in the State Duma or the regional legislature can nominate their candidates. Parties can propose no more than three candidates to the president’s consideration and the head of state will hand this list to the regional legislature. This list may include candidates from one and from different parties. A candidate for governor should get more than 50 percent of regional legislators’ votes, otherwise the runoff vote will take place. Individuals who were convicted for grave crimes cannot run for governorship. Moreover, candidates for governor are forbidden to have accounts in foreign banks, securities and shares. The direct governor elections returned to Russia last July after an eight-year break.