The Russian Federation State Council has invited two Egyptians to participate as international observers in the Russian referendum on constitutional amendments that will be held on 1 July, a statement by the Russian embassy in Cairo said.

The two Egyptian representatives are Sherif Gad, president of the Egyptian Association and Arab Union of Russian and Soviet University Graduates, and Fathy Toughan, professor at Tabbin Institute for Metallurgical Studies.

About 120 million Russians at home and around 4 million abroad are expected to cast their ballots on proposed amendments to the Russian constitution, the statement said.

Among the proposed amendments are that the Russian president no longer has the right to serve for more than two terms, with the removal of the "consecutive" clause. Presidential candidates also must have resided in Russia for no less than 25 years and must be no less than 35 years old, the statement read.

Moreover, the candidate cannot have accounts in foreign banks or hold a foreign nationality. They also cannot have held residency in a foreign country, the statement noted.

The amendments also prohibit Russian parliament members, officials, and judges from holding a foreign nationality or a residence in another country.

Russia will also remain a presidential republic, the statement added.

According to Reuters, if voters approve the constitutional changes, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be allowed to seek two more six-year terms as president when his current mandate ends in 2024.

“I do not rule out the possibility of running for office, if this [option] comes up in the constitution. We’ll see,” Putin was quoted as saying in an interview with state TV last week. “I have not decided anything for myself yet.”

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