The Head is elected by citizens of Russia residing in the republic.

In 1993, the Supreme Soviet of Mordovia removed him and abolished this position following Guslyannikov's accusation of abuse and corruption brought by the MPs headed by the speaker and ex-candidate for the presidency Nikolay Biryukov.

The Council of Ministers, headed by Valery Shvetsov, was created as the governing body of Mordovia.

In November 1995, elections to the State Assembly of Mordovia and local self-government took place.

In January 1995 Nikolay Merkushkin, former leader of Mordovian Komsomol branch, became the Chairman of the State Assembly.