Russia Sets a Date for Constitutional Amendments Vote

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on June 1 that a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments would be held on July 1, the BBC reports. Putin supported the proposal made by Russia’s Central Election Commission head Ella Pamfilova to hold an all-Russian vote on amendments to the country's Constitution on July 1. “The day is quite suitable. Given the improving situation in the fight against the epidemic, we have a whole month ahead to take additional steps,” Putin said during a working meeting on the upcoming vote. At the same time, Pamfilova proposed that citizens be allowed to vote for seven days, so that the last day of voting falls on July 1. According to her, the vote will be held at polling stations and at home in compliance with security measures because of the coronavirus. In some regions of Russia, electronic voting will take place. According to the head of the Central Election Commission, no more than eight people per hour will vote in the polls. Voters will be given masks. Pamfilova emphasized that such a vote would be safer than going to the store. During a home-based vote, members of election commissions will not enter voters ’homes, she said. Recall that the current term of the Russian president expires in 2024. According to the current Constitution, he does not have the right to run for president in the next election. A change in the Constitution will allow Putin to be elected twice more for the presidency, leading the country until 2036.