Russia’s president Vladimir Putin on Saturday approved changes to the country’s electoral law, allowing the public to vote electronically or by mail in future polls, the Kremlin said.
The new law allows the Central Election Commission to organise voting by mail or via the Internet. The gathering of signatures needed to qualify for elections can be conducted through a special government website.
Supporters of the new system say it will help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Critics complain that an electronic system will be easier to manipulate and that Russians will not be able to protest against the changes because of the coronavirus lockdown.
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In January, Putin proposed changes to the constitution that could pave the way for his indefinite rule, and remained secretive about the reforms he proposed, saying that they were intended to strengthen government bodies.
Putin repeatedly said the changes would not be used to extend his current term in office. In March, lawmaker Valentina Tereshkova suggested either scrapping Russia’s two-term limit for presidents or stopping the clock so the law would not apply to Putin’s time in office. Her proposal was endorsed by the Russian Duma, and a nationwide vote on the proposed amendments was set for 22 April.
The referendum was later postponed because of the pandemic. Russian media reported that the date for the vote will likely be June 24.
Putin has been in power for more than 20 years, both as a president and as a prime minister.
