ST. PETERSBURG, February 14 (RIA Novosti) - Deputies of the St. Petersburg legislative assembly have submitted a draft law to the lower house of Russia's parliament proposing electing senators by a nationwide vote.
Deputies said that presently the upper house of Russia's parliament, the Federation Council, comprises two representatives from each region, one elected by the region's legislature and the other appointed by the Federation constituent member's chief executive.
The bill submitted by the St. Petersburg deputies proposes that senators be elected by regional residents from among candidates nominated by the Federation entity's legislative or executive body.
Regional chief executives will have to nominate at least two candidates.
