Vladimir Putin to continue as Russian President till 2036

Moscow, July 02: Russian President Vladimir Putin recorded a resounding victory in presidential polls as the citizens went to polls on Wednesday to cast vote in a countrywide referendum on constitutional amendments that allows Putin to stay in power till 2036.

 

 

For the first time in Russian history, the polls were kept open for a week to bolster turnout without increasing crowds casting ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic. The overall turnout was believed to be around 65% as polling stations closed in Moscow and Western Russia, while some regions reported a turnout of up to 90%.

 

At least 76% of the voters of Russians approve the re-election of its president Putin at the head of the government. Meanwhile, 21.26% against the changes and 99.9% of the ballots counted. The vote paves the way for Putin, who has ruled for two decades, to remain President until 2036. He had already ruled Russia for more than 20 years as President or Prime Minister.

 

The amendments had been passed weeks ago by Russia’s parliament and copies of the new constitution were already on sale in bookshops, but Putin had said voter approval was essential to give them legitimacy.

 

Russians have been encouraged to vote with prize draws offering flats and an ad campaign highlighting other constitutional amendments in the same reform bundle. The reforms include conservative and populist measures like pension and minimum wage boosts, a modest reorganization of government, a constitutional mention of “faith in God”, a ban on gay marriage, exhortations to preserve Russian language and history, and a ban on top officials holding dual citizenship.

 

The vote was the final step to incorporating the amendments into the constitution. They have already been reviewed by Russia’s supreme court and backed by regional lawmakers.