Putin Sets Constitution Vote for July 1 as Covid-19 Crisis Wanes
- Vote on constitutional changes may allow him two more terms
- Initial referendum was delayed as epidemic worsened in Russia
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Russian President Vladimir Putin rescheduled a referendum for next month that would open a path for him to remain in power until 2036, as his government says the coronavirus crisis is receding.
The referendum, which was originally planned for April 22 before the epidemic forced a postponement, will be held July 1, Putin told officials on a videoconference from his residence outside Moscow Monday. Voting should be spread out over a week in order to ensure its safety, Russian election chief Ella Pamfilova said at the meeting.