At the end of April 2012, the State Duma adopted a law on the election of governors, which came into effect on June 1. Thus, after an almost three-year break, in which the heads of the regions were appointed 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.
Under the new law, only political parties can be nominated for governor, each of which can delegate no more than three people. For self-nominated candidates, such an opportunity should be stipulated in the regional electoral legislation.
To be registered in this capacity, a candidate must receive the support of 5 to 10% of the deputies of regional parliaments and municipal authorities. The exact number of required votes 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 votes of the local population. The standard 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 a candidate with the head of state. At the same time, the president himself will determine in what form and order these consultations will take place.
The law allows for a second round of elections. It will be possible in the event that none of the candidates gains more than 50% plus one vote of the total number of citizens who voted.
Those citizens who had a conviction for committing grave and especially grave legal violations will not be allowed to fight for the governor's seat. Those governors who left their posts by the decision of the president with the wording “due to 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 a former governor leaves office of his own free will, he must obtain permission from the president before participating in elections.
Governors will be elected for a five-year term. The law provides for a two-term limitation for those who want to continue working in this position. Those governors who were previously appointed to office by presidential decree will not be protected by the term of this leadership of the region.
Citizens were given the opportunity to express no confidence in the head of the region and recall him from office. To hold a referendum on this issue, it is necessary to collect signatures of at least 25% of voters living in the region.
