Russians vote in favor of changes to constitution

The outcome of Russia's 'national vote' on a series of amendments to the constitution serves to reaffirm that most Russians want the country to plow its furrow, regardless of what outsiders think, according to local media. 

In the end, the margin was huge. Exit polls suggested around 70 percent of voters said 'yes' to 206 amendments to their constitution, and close to 30 percent rejected the changes. Official results put the 'yes' vote at over 78 percent, with 99 percent of ballots counted.

Even liberal political organizers in Moscow conceded that their exit polls showed the capital had supported Vladimir Putin's proposals. What's more, those tallies revealed how a majority of voters in numerous Moscow districts with opposition-controlled local councils had backed the 'yes' side.

Wednesday marked the final day of in-person voting in the referendum, with turnout reaching 65 percent.

The 206 amendments range from social issues like pensions to rules for government officials. The one that has received most media attention redefines eligibility for the presidency. In theory, it would allow President Vladimir Putin to run for office two more times, potentially staying in power until 2036.

Initially planned for April 22, and postponed to July 1 due to Covid-19, the all-Russian vote took place over a week, and, for the first time ever, in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod, voters were allowed to cast their ballots online.

The amendments were already approved by the legislature before being put up for a national vote.

The newly-amended constitution also marks a slight shift from the hyper-presidential system, introduced by former President Boris Yeltsin in 1993. By redistributing some powers to other government organs, both Russia's lower and upper houses of parliament now have the opportunity to propose and approve of certain officials.