Russian MPs vote for longer presidency

[Dover]

Source: Reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's lower house of parliament approved on Friday a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term of office to six years from four.

The amendment was passed on final reading by the State Duma lower house by 392 votes to 57. Kremlin critics say the change could be part of a plan for ex-president Vladimir Putin to return to his old job, although officials have denied this.

The chamber, dominated by Putin's ruling United Russia party, also voted overwhelmingly to extend its own term to five years from four.

The amendments, proposed by President Dmitry Medvedev, must be approved by three quarters of the upper chamber of parliament and two thirds of regional legislatures across Russia to become law...>



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4AI34E20081121

[Kolesar]

1. Just make him Tsar Vladimir, already, eom

[Tempest]

2. If the Russian people don't like it

They can vote the MPs out of office and have the amendment repealed.

But considering how high Putin's popularity is, it's doubtful the Russian people will object.