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NEW BILL ON PROCEDURES TO ELECT GOVERNORS PASSED IN 2ND READING

MOSCOW, December 1 (RIA Novosti) - The State Duma has approved a draft on procedures to elect governors in the 2nd reading.

Three hundred and fifty-seven MPs voted for the bill, 61 opposed and 4 MPs abstained from voting at the plenary session, with 226 votes needed to pass the bill.

The document stipulates that the regional legislature vests top executive power of the Russian Federation's constituent member in the candidate forwarded by the president.

If the legislative assembly fails to approve the candidate twice, then month-long consultations are held before the 3rd attempt.

If the candidate is turned down three times, the head of state can dissolve the legislative body of the constituent federation member.

In accordance with the bill, the governor who had been elected before the law took effect can raise the question of confidence or early resignation before the president. Within 7 days the president takes a decision of confidence forwarding the candidate to the region's legislative body.

Besides, the president can dismiss the governor "on the ground of loss of confidence, non-compliance with obligations and other cases the federal law envisages".

In accordance with the bill, a national of the Russian Federation of 30 years of age and older can be appointed governor for a term of no more than 5 years.

The KPRF (the Communist Party of the Russian Federation) and Rodina (Motherland) factions have opposed the bill.