Russia has begun voting on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve another two terms in office.
The official vote is scheduled for 1 July, but authorities said they were opening polling stations a week early to stop overcrowding amid the pandemic.
Opposition activist Alexei Navalny has said the changes will allow Mr Putin to be "president for life".
Mr Putin, however, has said they will ensure Russia's stability.
Although the president has not publicly said he would run again in 2024 when his current term ends, he has said it is vital he has the option.
"Otherwise I know that in two years, instead of working normally at all levels of the state, all eyes will be on the search for potential successors," he said in an interview earlier this week.
BBC
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