Putin sets July 1 for vote on Russia's constitutional amendment after COVID delay

Russian President Vlimir Putin has set 1 July as  date for a constitutional amendment plebiscite that would allow him to stay in power until 2036 if he chooses.  vote was originally set for April 22 but was put off due to coronavirus pandemic as Russia's count of infections soared.

“Indeed, July 1 looks like quite a suitable date to hold Russian vote on constitutional amendments,” Putin was quoted by local media as saying during a video conference with members of constitutional amendments working group after Central Election Committee He Ella Pamfilova proposed date. 

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Coronavirus batters Putin

coronavirus outbreak has worsened in recent weeks in Russia and dissatisfaction with President Putin has grown. Opinion polls suggest leer's popularity has fallen amid his response to pandemic and its ecomic repercussions. Russia has reported 4,14,878 cases of COVID-19 so far, third highest in world, although its death rate is significantly lower at 4,855. Even Putin's own spokesperson and Deputy Prime Minister have fallen sick to virus.

Russia recorded roughly 9,000 new cases per day over past week, down from a peak of around 11,000 in early May but still among highest rates in world.  referendum would allow 67-year-old Putin to seek two ditional six-year terms as PM post-2024 along with or changes to constitution.

(With ncy inputs / Im: AP)

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