MOSCOW, December 22 (RIA Novosti) - Valentina Matviyenko was sworn in as St. Petersburg governor for a second term Friday, following her appointment by President Vladimir Putin and approval by the regional legislature.

Matviyenko, elected governor of Russia's second city in October 2003, submitted her resignation to President Vladimir Putin December 6, toward the end of her first term. The move was seen as a maneuver to secure a presidential endorsement for a second term.

A Putin-sponsored 2004 law canceled gubernatorial elections and gave the president the right to nominate candidates. Nominees must receive the backing of more than 50% of regional lawmakers.

Rights groups in Russia and abroad have criticized the law as undemocratic.

In line with the new scheme, some regional leaders turn to the Russian president before the end of their terms, asking to be recommended to local parliaments.