The law received 358 votes in favor (226 votes needed to pass the law), 62 against and two deputies abstained.
Under the new law, regional legislative assemblies will approve regional gubernatorial candidates nominated by the president.
The law requires the president to nominate a candidate 35 days before the incumbent governor's term ends. The regional legislature must consider the candidate within 14 days of his nomination. The nominee needs half of the legislature's approval to take office.
The law also contains a provision on holding meetings about nominee before the president nominates him.
If the legislature rejects the candidate, the president must nominate a second candidate within seven days.
If the legislature rejects the president's nominee twice, the president must hold consultations for a month. Afterward, the president can nominate a new candidate or appoint an acting governor.
If the legislature rejects the president's nominee for a third time, the president can dissolve the legislature.
The law also includes procedures for governors elected before the law comes into force to seek presidential approval. Before a governor's term is over, he can ask the president for approval or submit his early resignation. Within seven days, the president must either give his approval or nominate a new candidate who will be considered by the regional legislature.
The law was sent to the Federation Council.
