Russia to vote on July 1 on constitutional changes that could extend Putin's rule

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles during a meeting with representatives of a business community at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, February 3, 2016. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms will be held on July 1, announcing a new date for a delayed ballot that could extend his rule until 2036.

Putin postponed the original vote, which had been set for April 22, because of the coronavirus outbreak, saying the health and safety of citizens was his top priority as the global coronavirus pandemic worsened.