Daily Mail: Vladimir Putin is declared the winner of referendum five hours BEFORE polls close and will seize power until 2036 after 73% back him in 'rigged'vote
* Referendum will approve changes allowing Putin to run again in 2024 and 2030
* Russian officials issued 'preliminary results' showing 73% backing for the change
* Package of changes will also increase Putin's powers over parliament and courts
Vladimir Putin is clear to stay in power until 2036 after winning a referendum to prolong his rule - in a landslide victory declared before polls had even closed.
Russia's election commission issued 'preliminary results' this afternoon showing Putin on course to win 73 per cent of the vote.
The early announcement was the latest oddity in an election where Putin's victory was seen as a certainty following a massive state propaganda campaign, a prize draw offering cars and apartments to lure voters into taking part and reports of irregular turnout figures in the regions.
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WNU Editor: The vote in support for these constitutional changes is over 70%.
More News On Russia's Constitutional Referendum
Constitutional amendments vote in Russia: RT special coverage -- RT
Russians grant Putin right to extend his rule until 2036 in landslide vote, initial results show -- Reuters
Russia nears end of vote on extending Putin’s rule to 2036 -- AP
Putin takes part in vote on constitutional amendments -- TASS
Russia reforms: Early results suggest Putin victory in reform vote -- BBC
Putin seeks ‘irrefutable proof’ of support as Russian constitutional reform vote nears end -- France 24
Putin declared triumphant in referendum allowing him to rule until 2036 - five hours before polls close -- The Independent
Turnout in Russian constitutional vote now over 60%, first results coming in from Far East -- RT
