RUSSIA VOTE: PUTIN SET TO SECURE WIN
MOSCOW: A majority of voters approved changes to Russia’s constitution that would allow President Vladimir Putin to hold power until 2036, but the weeklong plebiscite that ended on Wednesday was tarnished by widespread reports of pressure on voters and other irregularities. With 20% of precincts counted, 72% voted for the constitutional amendments, according to election officials. Polls were kept open for a week to bolster turnout without increasing crowds casting ballots.