Referring to the popular consultation concluded on Wednesday, July 1, after seven days of voting, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov said that Moscow knew of «concerns» abroad about its referendum, but in no way it is willing to take them into account.
Russia undoubtedly ensured, ensures and will ensure respect for international regulations, but, at the same time, it was and is faithful, firstly, to its own sovereignty, which in no way contradicts international law, the spokesperson said.
Ella Pamfilova, chairperson of the Central Election Commission, officially ratified this Friday the results of the referendum on constitutional reforms, in which 77.92% supported the amendments and 21.27% voted «no.»
The amendments to the Russian Constitutions of 1993, in addition to new prerogatives for both chambers of the Federal Assembly and the Constitutional Court, refer to protect workers, minimum wage, pensions’ payment, medical care and quality and affordable health.
The dozens of changes approved also stipulate the supremacy of the Constitution over decisions by international entities and give President Vladimir Putin the right to run for two more six-year terms in office. The 67-year old’s current term ends in 2024.
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