Russians vote yes to extend Putin’s term

MOSCOW: Russians appeared to have paved the way for Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036 by voting overwhelmingly for a package of constitutional changes, partial results of a nationwide vote showed on Wednesday. Results, after almost a third of ballots had been counted, indicated that Putin would easily win the right to run for two more terms. That means he could remain president for 16 more years.
The Central Election Commission said 74% of votes counted had supported changing the constitution. Just under 25% had voted no of the 30% of ballots counted.
Russians have been encouraged to vote with prize draws offering flats and an ad campaign highlighting constitutional amendments in the same reform bundle, such as the pensions protection and a de facto ban on same-sex marriages. One-off payments of 10,000 roubles ($141) were transferred to those with children at Putin’s order as people headed to polling stations on Wednesday. Turnout was around 65%, officials said. The required turnout is 50% and the amendments will pass if they are backed by a simple majority.
A small group of activists staged a symbolic protest on Red Square on Wednesday using their prostrate bodies to form the date — 2036 — before being detained by police.