MOSCOW (MT) -- Yabloko has introduced a bill
to the State Duma that provides for direct elections of members
to the Federation Council.
A spokeswoman for the liberal party said Monday the bill allows
for gradual replacement of existing Federation Council members,
who are currently appointed.
The terms of the each region's representatives expire at different
times, and under the bill the president would announce when elections
are to be held, she said.
Yabloko Duma Deputy Igor Artemyev, one of the authors of the
bill, consulted with the presidential administration before the
bill was introduced. It is expected to have its first reading
in the Duma's fall session, the spokeswoman said.
Federation Council Speaker Sergei Mironov has said he would
support direct elections to the council.
See also:
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original at
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YABLOKO:
Federation Council members should be elected
Press Release, June 28, 2002
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