The July 1 constitutional vote included a provision that reset Putin's previous term limits, allowing him to run for president two more times. The change was rubber-stamped by the Kremlin-controlled legislature and the relevant law signed by Putin was posted Monday on an official portal of legal information. Following the vote, Russian lawmakers have methodically modified the national legislation, approving the relevant laws. The opposition criticized the constitutional vote, arguing that it was tarnished by widespread reports of pressure on voters and other irregularities, as well as a lack of transparency and hurdles hindering independent monitoring. In February, Navalny was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for violating the terms of his probation while convalescing in Germany.

Source: ABC News April 05, 2021 15:52 UTC