MOSCOW: Russians were casting early ballots Thursday in a nationwide vote on controversial constitutional reforms that could keep President Vladimir Putin in power until 2036.

Election officials opened polling stations in the lead-up to the official voting day on July 1 to reduce the risk of overcrowding that could spread the coronavirus infection.

Masks and disinfectant gels are being made available to 110 million eligible voters across 10 time zones. Voters sported masks and election officials distributed ballot papers wearing gloves.

The Kremlin reluctantly postponed the vote originally scheduled for April 22 as COVID-19 cases increased and officials imposed restrictions to slow the spread.

Putin - in power as president or prime minister since 1999 - introduced the reforms to the 1993 constitution in January.