At the end of April 2012, the State Duma adopted a law on the election of governors, which entered into force on June 1. Thus, after an almost three-year break, in which the heads of the regions were appointed to the post by presidential decrees, the governors will again be elected and take part in the election procedures. True, the law provides for a number of measures that significantly limit the circle of elected persons.
According to the new law, only political parties can nominate the governor, from each of which no more than three people can be delegated. For self-nominees, such an opportunity should be stipulated in regional election legislation.
To be registered in this capacity, a candidate must receive support from 5 to 10% of deputies of regional parliaments and municipal authorities. The exact number of votes needed in each region is determined independently. For those candidates who have nominated themselves, an additional requirement is established - to collect in their support from 0.5 to 2% of the vote of the local population. The norm should also be regulated in the regional law.
Another innovation is the so-called “presidential filter”, which is implemented in the form of a mandatory interview of the candidate with the head of state. Moreover, the president himself will determine in what form and manner these consultations will take place.
The law allows for a second round of elections. It will be possible if not one of the candidates gains more than 50% plus one vote of the total number of citizens who voted.
Those citizens who had a criminal record for committing grave and especially grave legal violations will not be allowed to fight for the governor's place. Those governors who resigned by decision of the president with the phrase "in connection with the loss of confidence" will also not be able to take part in the elections if they are held less than 2 years after their resignation. When the former governor resigned of his own free will, he must obtain the permission of the president before participating in the elections.
Governors will be elected for a five-year term. The law provides for a two-term limit for those who want to continue to work in this position. Those governors who were previously appointed to the post by presidential decree will not defend the term of this leadership of the region.
Citizens are given the opportunity to express distrust to the head of the region and to withdraw him from his post. To hold a referendum on this issue, it is necessary to collect signatures of at least 25% of voters living in the region.
