Russia passes bill allowing Putin to stay in power past 2024

Russian parliament approved a sweeping constitutional reform in third and final reing Wednesday, a move that will allow President Vlimir Putin to stay in power for ar 12 years after his current term ends in 2024.

Kremlin-controlled lower house, State Duma, endorsed a set of amendments to constitution and a provision resetting term count for Putin after revised constitution goes into force by a 383-0 vote with 43 abstentions. A nationwide vote on proposed amendments is set for April 22.

Kremlin critics condemned move as a cynical manipulation and called for protests.

Putin, a 67-year-old former KGB officer, has ruled Russia for more than 20 years. After serving for two consecutive four-year terms — a limit outlined in current version of constitution — Putin shifted to prime minister's seat in 2008, with his close ally Dmitry Medvedev becoming a placeholder president.

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length of presidency was extended to six years under Medvedev, and in 2012 Putin returned to Kremlin as president. In 2018, he was re-elected for ar six years.

constitutional reform passed by Duma on Wednesday would allow Putin to run for presidency two more times after 2024. Ahe of national vote, it will be reviewed by Russia's Constitutional Court.

changes redistribute executive powers of Russian government in Moscow and furr strengn power of presidency, while also banning same-sex marri and listing “a belief in God” as one of Russia's tritional values.

proposal to restart term clock for current president was put forward by 83-year-old former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, w a Duma deputy, during second reing of amendments on Tuesday. Following Tereshkova's speech, Putin quickly arrived at parliament to dress lawmakers and supported idea.

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