Putin signs decree for constitutional changes where it could remain in power until 2036

Under the decree signed Friday, the changes will take effect Saturday, 4 July.

Russia's “Citizens have made their choice and, in accordance with this decision, I have signed a decree for formal publishing of the constitution with changes”, Putin said.

He signed the decree several hours after Russia's Central Election Commission announced the final results of the referendum on constitutional changes, held from June 25th to July 1st.

According to the results, nearly 78 percent of voter participants have approved the package of over 200 constitutional amendments.

The Kremlin named it a “triumphant referendum on trust in President Vladmir Putin”.

But reports of irregularities at several locations and intimidation of activists and journalists have prompted Western calls for immediate investigations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Western concerns about the vote, saying Russia “was and will remain committed, first of all, to national sovereignty”.

Putin has been at the helm of Russia, once as president, as prime minister since 2000