Chechen leader approves direct elections of governors

Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov has approved the return to direct elections of governors, his website says.

He noted that it is important for the population to elect own governors. Kadyrov emphasized that he had always been asking opinion of the population, reminding that he had long conversations with the population live before becoming appointed. Social polls were important in reflecting people’s attitude.

Kadyrov believes that the old voting system is out of date. It was used by people who had caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and striving for power. The new system will give political and economic benefits. Russia has influence in the international society, he says.