Municipal elections called in Cuba

The Council of State of Cuba has convened elections this April for delegates to the 169 municipal assemblies of People’s Power (local government) on the island.

A decree signed by President Fidel Castro and circulated today by the national press affirms that voters should attend the partial elections on April 17 (the first round) to elect their representatives for a two and a half-year term.

The following Sunday, April 24, has been set aside for a second round in constituencies where none of the candidates attain more than 50% of the valid votes cast, the document notes.

According to the country’s Electoral Law (Law 72 of October 1992), the Council of State must convene these elections at least 90 days previously.

Some eight million people aged over 16 with no mental or legal impediments should participate in these elections, given that on reaching voting age Cubans are automatically registered on the electoral rolls.

The candidates are proposed in local meetings or on a personal basis, although they should have the approval by raised hands of their neighbors.

A minimum of two and a maximum of eight candidates stand in every constituency. They cannot make personal propaganda and their nominations are presented via CVs placed in public areas.

Up to 50% of the elected delegates, representing the mandate of their voters, can become members of the National Assembly (single-chamber Parliament) if elected as deputies by popular vote.