Russian president gives green light to Khamitov's bid in Bashkortostan elections
MOSCOW. May 30 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the early resignation of Bashkortostan leader Rustem Khamitov, giving him the green light to run in the elections of the republic's head this autumn.
At a meeting with Khamitov, the Russian president said he was convinced that the official had "every chance to win" the elections in 2015, when they are supposed to take place according to schedule. However, Putin said he had no objections to holding the republic's polls this year.
"Given the positive dynamics of economic and social development - unemployment rates are minimal in your republic, and all social parameters are at quite a high level, I believe that you have every chance to win both this year and next," the president told Khamitov.
"But if for some reasons holding elections this year would suit you better, I have no objections. Go ahead," Putin said.
"There is plenty left to be done" in Bashkortostan, although the republic has achieved very good results in the past three years," Khamitov said.
"And we certainly need people's support in our work. People's support can be received at elections, by asking them how they assess our work," he added.
