constitutional changes

It is among several constitutional amendments proposed by Mr Putin, which are set to be put to a public vote.

Critics see the proposals as a move by Mr Putin to keep a hold on power after his presidential term ends in 2024.

The package includes a proclamation of Russians' faith in God and a ban on giving away any Russian territory.

If approved by the public, the proposals would transfer power from the presidency to parliament.

Mr Putin is due to step down in 2024 when his fourth term of office comes to an end.

But there is speculation he could seek a new role or hold on to power behind the scenes.

Mr Putin put forward his plans in his annual state of the nation address to lawmakers. Later, in an unexpected move, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that the government was resigning to help facilitate the changes.

'Akilisi Pohiva's administration has been pushing for more powers of appointment when it comes to positions like Attorney-General and the Police Commissioner and this is thought to have been one of the issues that led to last year's dissolution of parliament.

The 31-page report by legal consultant Peter Pursglove was funded by the Commonwealth and approved by the Tu'ivakano government in 2014.