Analysis: Vladimir Putin secures constitutional changes allowing him to rule until 2036

With allegations of ballot stuffing and vote fraud, Dr Ben Noble (UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies) explains what the nationwide vote means, now that Russian president Vladimir Putin can legally run for re-election in 2024 and potentially remain in power until 2036. A nationwide vote has ratified constitutional reforms proposed by Russian president, Vladimir Putin. With a 68% turnout, preliminary results suggest 78% of those taking part voted in favour of the changes, according to Russia's Central Electoral Commission (CEC). The vote - which ran from June 25 to July 1 - was originally scheduled for April 22, but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. Crucially for Putin, the package of constitutional changes includes an amendment allowing him to run again for the presidency in 2024 - and stay in power until 2036. But the Kremlin downplayed this particular amendment ahead of the vote, preferring to showcase changes it knew Russians were much more enthusiastic about, including promises of increased state support for citizens. The result is not surprising.