On January 24, Yevdokimov, who became governor in December 1997 and whose third term expires in March 2009, had requested a vote of confidence from the present, following the example of St. Petersburg governor Valentina Matviyenko.
Matviyenko, governor of Russia's second city since October 2003, was sworn for a second term in December following her appointment by President Putin, and the regional legislature's approval.
A Putin-sponsored 2004 law canceled gubernatorial elections and gave the president the right to nominate candidates. Nominees must receive the backing of more than 50% of local lawmakers.
Rights groups in Russia and abroad have criticized the law as undemocratic.
Under the new scheme, some regional leaders approach the president before the end of their terms, asking to be recommended to local parliaments.
