Medvedev approves presidency bill

Dmitry Medvedev says the move will strengthen democracy

A bill to extend the presidential term from four to six years has been signed into law by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Kremlin says.

The bill has been fast-tracked through parliament and regional assemblies.

It will come into force only after Mr Medvedev's current term - by which time many expect Vladimir Putin to have returned to the presidency.

The fact that it was rushed through has prompted speculation that Mr Putin is planning that sooner rather than later.

He denies that, however, telling the BBC this month that "the next presidential election will take place in 2012" as scheduled.

Both Mr Putin and Mr Medvedev say the bill, which also extends the parliamentary term from four years to five, and provides for the government to report regularly to parliament, will strengthen democracy.