Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma on Tuesday approved a leave for Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych during his campaign prior to a new presidential runoff and named a caretaker in his place.

The outgoing president named First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola Azarov to replace Yanukovych while he is on leave of absence until the Dec. 26 new vote, the Itar-Tass news agency reported, citing a statement issued by the presidential office.

The opposition has demanded that Kuchma fires Yanukovich, whose victory in the Nov. 21 runoff was canceled by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Kuchma's approval on Tuesday means that Yanukovich would not be dismissed from his post until he returns from leave.

Ukrainian law forbids dismissing people officially on holiday.

Kuchma's announcement came out soon after parliament adjourned for the day without voting on an electoral amendment that would transfer important powers from the presidency to parliament.

Analysts say the amendment, which Kuchma has been trying to get passed for more than a year, may help the president to retain his influence after stepping down. Some supporters of the opposition's presidential hopeful Viktor Yushchenko say the amendment is intended to weaken Kuchma's successor and refuses to give in to the president's demand.