Penza, 21 May 2015. PenzaNews. The rector of the Penza State University Alexander Gulyakov, the head of Penza Viktor Kuvaytsev, mayor Yuri Krivov, and the deputy envoy in the Volga Federal District Oleg Melnichenko have been summoned to the Presidential Administration, the news agency “REGNUM” quotes its sources.

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According to the agency, these officials most likely have been summoned for an meeting due to the statement of the governor Vasily Bochkarev about his intention to abstain from running for one more term.

“In addition, the other day the chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Ivan Belozertsev already visited the [high officials at] Staraya square,” the agency reports.

According to the local experts, all the candidates named above have an equal chance. Thus, Yuri Krivov and Viktor Kuvaytsev are supported by governor Vasily Bochkarev; former vice governor of the Penza region and deputy chairman of the regional government Oleg Melnichenko is the candidate of the presidential envoy in the Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich; the chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Ivan Belozertsev is the secretary of the regional branch of the United Russia party, was the head of Penza from 2005 to 2012; PSU Rector Alexander Gulyakov used to head the regional police, was the chairman of the Legislative Assembly and is personally acquainted with the Russian Internal Affairs minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, a native of the Penza region. In this regard, his candidacy could be considered as part of the country’s policy on the fight against graft.

The agency interlocutors also note that if the Staraya square officials bet on the experience of participating in the elections, the potential favorites are Viktor Kuvaytsev, Alexander Gulyakov, and Ivan Belozertsev.

As PenzaNews agency reported earlier with reference to “Kommersant” newspaper, the governor of the Penza region Vasily Bochkarev may continue his career as a member of the Federation Council.

He himself has previously stated that he intends to become a member of the regional Legislative Assembly.