Moreover, the congress delegates decided to change the United Russia charter. The central political council of the party was abolished. Its functions were shifted to the General Council.
Russian Vice Premier Alexander Zhukov, President's aide Alexander Beglov, head of the presidential control directorate, and governor of the Moscow region Boris Gromov were elected members of the United Russia Supreme Council.
Vice Premier Alexander Zhukov, State Duma deputy Alexander Karelin and general director of the MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation Alexei Fedorov were elected to the bureau of the party's Supreme Council.
The delegates also reaffirmed the lists of candidates to the United Russia General Council and Presidium of the General Council. The General Council is expected to comprise 132 members and its presidium - 23 members. They will be elected by secret vote.
The General Council is the United Russia ruling body while the Supreme Council is the body of general political management, therefore, the United Russia President and members of the Supreme Council are elected by open vote, the party's executive committee told RIA Novosti.
During the break in the sittings Boris Gryzlov told journalists that some cabinet members wished to join the party.
However, this will be done routinely, he stressed. "We did not want to time this to the congress," Mr. Gryzlov added.
According to him, Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and Tatarstan's President Mintimer Shaimiyev will remain cochairmen of the United Russia Supreme Council.
The United Russia ruling body will be the General Council and its presidium (during the breaks in its sessions), Boris Gryzlov said.
