Russian vote brings six-year presidential term closer

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Russian vote brings six-year presidential term closer
Posted: 07:12 AM ET
MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) — The upper house of Russia’s parliament Monday approved an extension of the presidential term from four years to six, a move many Russia-watchers believe is designed to bring former President Vladimir Putin back to the nation’s top office.

Putin stepped down as president in May after two terms and is now prime minister. His hand-picked successor Dmitri Medvedev proposed in November that the head of state’s term be lengthened, starting with the next president.

Putin earlier this month shrugged off the suggestion that Medvedev would step down to make way for Putin’s return when the law passes. “The next election is in 2012,” he said December 4, according to the Interfax news agency.