Nikolay Merkushkin

Nikolay Ivanovich Merkushkin (Николай Иванович Меркушкин) (born February 5 1951 in Novye Verkhissy, Mordovia) is the head of the Republic of Mordovia in Russia. He has held that office since 1995.

Merkushkin was an electrical engineer before entering politics. He was reelected president of Mordovia in 1998 and 2003 with 80% of the vote. He has maintained popularity by having a relatively stable economy in the republic and paying salaries and pensions on time. He has prevented opponents from running against him by disqualifying candidates which seem to have more than 3% invalid signatures. Merkushkin is married and has two sons.