Cuba to Elect New Leader
Cuba’s National Assembly is due to select a new head of state to replace Fidel Castro, 81, who is stepping down after nearly half a century in charge.
It is widely expected that his younger brother Raul Castro will succeed him.
This would formalise a position 76-year-old Raul has effectively held since July 2006, when Fidel Castro underwent intestinal surgery.
But Cuba could opt for a member of a younger generation of politicians, says the BBC’s Michael Voss in Havana.
These include Vice-President Carlos Lage, 56, or Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, 42.
Whoever takes over will have to steer the Caribbean island through un-chartered waters in an unpredictable period of economic and political renewal, our correspondent adds.
The 614-member assembly, itself elected during polls in January, will also select a vice president and the entire 32-strong executive Council of State.
If selected during Sunday’s meeting, which is due to start at 1000 (1500 GMT), Raul Castro has suggested he will implement major economic reforms and “structural changes”.
Source: BBC.
0