World | Vladimir Putin Russia Paves Way for Return of Putin Parliament extends term of president; early elections could follow By Nick McMaster Posted Nov 21, 2008 12:04 PM CST Copied Vladimir Putin, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, arrive for the United Russia Party Congress in Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008. (AP Photo) See 1 more photo Russia's lower house of parliament approved a change to the constitution that extends the term of the president from four to six years, CNN reports. The move is widely seen as a bureaucratic maneuver that will lead to the return of Vladimir Putin as president. The upper house of parliament is expected to follow suit and make the measure law. Putin stepped down as president and became prime minister because the constitution prevented him from serving three straight terms. Dmitry Medvedev's term is scheduled to end in 2012, but this new amendment could set the stage for early elections. Putin would then be allowed to run again, with the possibility of gaining 12 years in office. Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. Trump signs bill to end the latest government shutdown. The voice behind 'Joy to the World' has died at 83. See 1 more photo Report an error