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Longer Term Passes Final Duma Hurdle
The Russian State Duma passed the third and final reading of the amendments to the Russian Constitution to lengthen the presidential term in the country from four to six years, RIA Novosti reports. The amendments passed by a vote of 392 to 57. The opposing votes were cast by members of the Communist Party.
The same amendments will extend the length of the term in the Duma from four to five years and require the government to give an annual account of its performance.
The new conditions will apply only to a newly elected president and Duma members. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev unveiled the proposal in his address to the Federal Assembly on November 5. The changes do not require a constitutional referendum. Rather, approval by three-quarters of the Federation Council and two-thirds of regional legislative assemblies is still necessary for their enactment.
www.kommersant.com
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