Russian lawmakers have voted to extend presidential term limits from four to six years.
The lower house of parliament overwhelmingly approved the measure during its first reading Friday. It will need to pass through two more readings to change the constitution and become law.
The lower house has fast tracked the measure, which was announced by President Dmitri Medvedev last week.
Opponents say the measure could allow former Russian President Vladimir Putin, who now is Russia's prime minister, to quickly seek to return to the presidency.
Mr. Medvedev has also proposed extending the term of the State Duma from four to five years.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
