According to the results of the poll conducted among 1,500 respondents in 44 regions, 43% of the Russians know, and 29% have heard of the proposed reform. Some 26% of the Russians have learnt about the draft law for the first time. In September, the figures were 21%, 26% and 49%, respectively.
According to the poll results, people's attitude to the president's initiative is gradually changing, with the number of his supporters increasing (36% against 28% in September) and adversaries decreasing (31% against 37%). On the whole, these two groups are comparable in numbers: about one-third of the Russians from each group expects positive, and another one-third - negative, consequences from a switchover to a new system for selecting regional leaders. Some 32% of the respondents could not give any answer.
Back in September, Vladimir Putin proposed to change the procedure for electing the regions' governors. Under the new draft law, a new governor will no longer be elected by a popular vote. He will be elected instead by the regional parliament on the Russian president's recommendation.
