No decisions made on cancelling direct gubernatorial elections in some Russian regions - Peskov

MOSCOW. March 21 (Interfax) - The possible cancellation or postponement of direct gubernatorial elections in a number of Russian regions is not being discussed in practical terms at the moment, and no decisions have been made on this account, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

"No decisions have been made on this account thus far, and no practical discussion has been held, and therefore, it's simply impossible to talk about this now," Peskov said.

Kommersant reported earlier that the Kremlin could consider canceling direct gubernatorial elections in a number of regions where they are planned in September 2022. The newspaper said several governors have made such requests in view of the current economic situation.

Kommersant sources at the presidential office suggested that regional authorities might be allowed to amend local laws and reinstate the procedure of electing governors at local legislative assemblies.

"The postponement of regional elections by the Central Elections Commission could be a less probable scenario. However, there have been no decisions on cancelling direct gubernatorial elections for now," the newspaper said.