Russia’s plebiscite on constitutional amendments set for July 1

Russian President Vladimir Putin has come out in favor of holding Russia’s nationwide vote on amendments to the constitution on July 1. The rescheduled date was initially put forward by Ella Pamfilova, the head of Russia’s Central Election Commission (CEC).

“July 1 looks like a good day,” Putin said during a video conference broadcast on the television channel Rossiya 24.

After listening to comments from the head of the CEC and the country’s public health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, Putin set July 1 as the date for the nationwide vote.

During the meeting, he also said that there was no need to be economical when it comes to holding the plebiscite.

Pamfilova said that voting will take place both at polling stations and at home, while maintaining security measures due to the coronavirus.

According to the CEC, no more than eight people will be allowed to vote at polls per hour. Members of the election commission will also refrain from entering voters’ houses during at-home voting, Pamfilova said.

Pavel Krasheninnikov, the co-chair of the working group on constitutional amendments, later told RIA Novosti that July 1 will be declared a working holiday. This was later confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

• The plebiscite on constitutional amendments — which could keep Putin in power until 2036 — was initially set for April 22. It was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.