KEMEROVO, December 24./TASS/. The collection of signatures in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s self-nomination was launched in the Siberian Kuzbass region on Saturday, with about 7,000 signatures collected alone on the first day, the Kemerovo branch of the People’s Front told TASS.

"The collection of signatures in support of Vladimir Putin’s nomination kicked off in Kuzbass on December 23. Alone on the first day, he was supported by almost 7,000 people, which is slightly short of the required by law number of signatures from one region - 7,500," it said.

"According to the volunteers of the All-Russian People's Front collecting signatures, entire families come to sign in support of the country’s leader," it said, adding that queues can be seen at the sites where the signatures are collected even though it is a weekend.

Kuzbass Governor Sergey Tsivilev also left his signature in support of the incumbent president.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is always concerned about Kuzbass, he has repeatedly said that Kuzbass is undersupplied. He has always said that we must support and develop Kuzbass, support our miners - they are wonderful people. I am very glad that he made the decision to run for president," Tsivilev said.