Kremlin hails 'triumph' in vote extending Putin's ruleTurnout was almost 68 percent in the Russian referendum on constitutional changes. (AFP photo)MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Thursday hailed as a "triumph" overwhelming backing in a national vote on constitutional reforms to extend President Vladimir Putin's rule. The Central Elections Commission announced that 77.92% of voters had backed the reforms with a turnout of 67.97% after all votes had been counted. The Kremlin "definitely considers this as a triumph," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, describing the vote as a "referendum on trust" in the Russian president. Election commission chief Ella Pamfilova rebuffed criticisms, saying in televised comments that "there is no doubt that the vote is valid and legitimate".

Source: Bangkok Post July 02, 2020 11:03 UTC