A weak constitution.

Source :: Economist. 9/14/1996, Vol. 340 Issue 7983, p49. 5/6p. 1 Black and White Photograph.
Publication Year :: 1996
Abstract: Looks at constitutional questions in Russia in September 1996 regarding the presidential succession, in light of President Boris Yeltsin's upcoming heart-bypass operation. Constitutional loophole which lets Yeltsin decide whether he has become incapacitated; Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, who would become acting president; Jockeying of prospective presidential candidates, including presidential chief-of-staff Anatoly Chubais.