Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Kremlin Lauds Russia's Constitutional Reform Vote

Charles Maynes

   MOSCOW - Russia overwhelmingly embraced changes to the country's
   constitution in a weeklong national vote that ended Wednesday and was
   held during the coronavirus pandemic, scoring a controversial victory
   for President Vladimir Putin amid complaints of vote rigging and a
   constitutional coup by Kremlin critics.
   Buried among nearly 200 amendments focusing on conservative and
   patriotic values was a little advertised measure to reset president
   term limits for Putin -- in effect opening the door for the longtime
   Russian leader to remain in power beyond his current term and until the
   year 2036.
   With nearly all votes counted, Russia's Central Election Commission
   said 65% of registered voters had participated, with 78% endorsing the
   changes in an up or down vote. 21% voted against the packet of
   amendments, according to official results.

.