After landslide referendum win, Putin’s rule likely to extend to 2036

Russians voted overwhelmingly for constitutional changes that will allow president Vladimir Putin to run for two more six-year terms, and remain in power until 2036. The vote was held over seven days to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The Central Election Commission said Thursday that 77.9% of votes counted across the country had supported changing the constitution. 21.3% had voted against, while turnout was 65%.

The highest levels of support – above 90% – were in Crimea, in Chechnya in the North Caucasus, and Tuva, in Siberia.

In January, Putin proposed changes to the constitution that could pave the way for his indefinite rule, and for months remained secretive about the reforms he proposed – more than 200 changes – saying they were intended to strengthen government bodies.

Early voting has been officially allowed since June 10. Election officials travelled to remote areas and brought ballots to residents who do not have access to polling stations.

Opposition politician Alexei Navalny called the vote an illegal show designed to legalise Putin’s presidency for life. He added that the opposition would not protest for now because of the pandemic, but would do so in the autumn if its candidates were blocked from taking part in regional elections.

Putin has ruled Russia as president or prime minister for more than 20 years.​