Russia Extend Presidential Terms

The Russian parliament voted Friday to change a constitutional amendment related to the presidency term, President Dmitry Medvedev announced the measures two weeks ago which will change the presidential term from four years to six years.

392 voted in favor for the law against 57 in the parliament today, but the law needs approval from the upper house of parliament and regional council before it's passed.

Analyst says that the Kremlin wants to capitalize on Putin popularity being the powerful figure in Russia since he left the office in May, and that the financial crisis Russia is facing with the world may help get him elected for the third time when the next presidential election are held which are scheduled in 2012.