Putin postpones Russia vote on constitutional amendments News
DimitroSevastopol / Pixabay
Putin postpones Russia vote on constitutional amendments

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday postponed the national referendum that was scheduled for April 22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national referendum concerned constitutional amendments, one of which would enable Putin to run for two more terms.

Putin did not announce a new date for the referendum but indicated it will depend on the progression of COVID-19 in Russia. In his address, Putin stated:

Of course, I will ask you to go to the polling stations to express your opinion on this issue of fundamental and crucial importance to the country and society. However, as I said before, our absolute priority is the health, life and safety of the people. This is why I believe the vote should be postponed.

Furthermore, Putin listed measures that will be taken to combat the effects of COVID-19.

For more on COVID-19, see our special coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

John Jay born

John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the state of New York, co-author of the Federalist Papers and first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, was born on December 12, 1745. Read a biographical sketch of John Jay, and pay a virtual visit to the John Jay Homestead, to which he retired in 1801.

Kenya becomes independent

On December 12, 1963, Kenya attained independence from the United Kingdom.