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Cubans vote for new parliament Cubans vote for new parliament
(30 minutes later)
Cubans have begun voting to elect a new National Assembly or parliament.Cubans have begun voting to elect a new National Assembly or parliament.
Only one person is standing per seat, including ailing leader Fidel Castro, even though he has not been seen in public for almost a year-and-a-half.Only one person is standing per seat, including ailing leader Fidel Castro, even though he has not been seen in public for almost a year-and-a-half.
More than 90% of voters are expected to turn out for what is a key step in determining whether Mr Castro remains as head of state. His brother, acting leader Raul Castro, said the new chamber would meet on 24 February, when it is expected to decide whether Fidel will remain president.
There are 614 candidates contesting 614 seats. It is a low-key affair in this one-party state, with no campaigning. There are 614 candidates contesting 614 seats. Campaigning is not allowed, but a turnout of about 90% is expected.
The BBC's Michael Voss in Havana says it is a low-key affair in this one-party state.
But with an ageing leadership, Cuba's Communist Party has encouraged younger people to become involved.But with an ageing leadership, Cuba's Communist Party has encouraged younger people to become involved.
Almost two-thirds of the candidates are standing for the first time, the majority of them are under 50 years old.Almost two-thirds of the candidates are standing for the first time, the majority of them are under 50 years old.
The new National Assembly has to meet within 45 days to select the country's president and a new Council of State. The new National Assembly has 45 days to meet to select the country's president and a new Council of State.
But Raul Castro, quoted by Spanish news agency Efe, said 24 February had been chosen because it was the anniversary of the proclaiming of the constitution and the beginning of Cuba's 1895 war of independence.
Only then will it become apparent whether 81-year-old Fidel Castro intends to remain as head of state or retire and continue in his current role of elder statesman.Only then will it become apparent whether 81-year-old Fidel Castro intends to remain as head of state or retire and continue in his current role of elder statesman.