Russian referendum: Putin can remain president until 2036

In the controversial plebiscite, Russian President Putin has been allowed to stay on until 2036. 77.9 percent agreed on Wednesday to amend the Russian constitution, which, among other things, stipulates that Putin can stay on. That says the Central Election Commission of Russia after counting all votes, reports news agency Interfax. The referendum turnout was 65 percent.

The constitutional amendment will allow Putin to run for the next presidential election in March 2024. His current term of office ends in that year, but this result allows him to complete two more six-year terms. In theory, the 67-year-old president can continue to rule until the age of 83.

In addition to extending Putin’s tenure, the referendum also included a number of other constitutional changes. For example, marriage was established as a union between husband and wife. In fact, that means a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

The plebiscite was strictly speaking a formality; because the Russian State Duma and the regional parliaments had already agreed, no change was necessary. Nevertheless, Putin hoped for the broadest possible support for the constitutional amendment.

Read also this report about the referendum: The ballot box is on a prohibited area

Coronacrisis

The referendum was originally scheduled to be held on April 22, but was postponed due to the corona crisis. Russia was hit hard by the virus and the referendum comes at a sensitive time. With over 650,000 cases of contamination, the country ranks third worldwide. According to independent research and polling agency Levada, 60 percent of Russians are satisfied with the president. Earlier, that figure stood at 90 percent.

Putin has been in power as the leader of Russia since 1999, alternately serving as prime minister and president. This makes him the longest-serving leader in Moscow since Jozef Stalin.

Also read this interview with two authors of an alternative constitution: “Putin will determine only a small part of my life”

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