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The Russian lower house of parliament has approved constitutional changes aimed at extending presidential terms from four to six years.

The changes were approved on Friday in a first parliamentary reading by 388 votes in favour and 58 against.

The vote has prompted speculation that Vladimir Putin, the former president and present prime minister, might return to the presidency.

The lower chamber, dominated by members of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, also voted to extend its own term to five years from four years.

To be written into the constitution, the changes must be backed by two-thirds of State Duma deputies and three-quarters of the upper Federation Council house.

The changes will not apply to Dmitry Medvedev, the current president.

Putin said earlier this week he backed a longer term for the next president, but said it was too early to say who that might be.

However, many believe the legislation could pave the way for Putin to return.

Putin is popular among Russians, but the constitution prevented him from running for a third straight term as president.

Al Jazeera - Source: Agencies