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. Jump to: navigation, search February 5 is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1951 was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... The Republic of Mordovia (Russian: Респу́блика Мордо́вия, Moksha: Мордовскяй Республикась, Erzya: Мордовской Республикась ) is a federal subject of Russia (a republic). ... The Republic of Mordovia (Russian: Респу́блика Мордо́вия, Moksha: Мордовскяй Республикась, Erzya: Мордовской Республикась ) is a federal subject of Russia (a republic). ... Jump to: navigation, search 1995 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

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.