IN Cuba, the elections are an expression of popular will, which constitutes a real democracy, affirmed Rodrigo Alvarez Cambras, director of the Frank País International Orthopedic Science Complex.

The Cuban specialist, quoted by the National News Agency, highlighted the fact that the nomination assemblies are open and every citizen can openly choose the candidate who best represents his or her interests.

Alvarez Cambras stated that the regime that the United States is trying to impose on the island through the report from the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba – as announced by the current administration of George W. Bush – is inadmissible for the island.

"We already had representative democracy like that in the country prior to the triumph of the Revolution in 1959 and we realized that it merely protects and justifies theft, politicking, and other outrages that will never return to this country," he added.

The eminent specialist – aged 70 – experienced the pressures and rigors of the elections of that era, and the memory of his mother losing her job for refusing to take part in those corrupt elections is still in his mind.

"I was 18 years old in 1952, when Fulgencio Batista seized power through a coup d’état," he recalled.

"In those days," he added, "I already had my own political opinions and I joined the ranks of the Federation of University Students and the March 13 Revolutionary Directorate, as well as collaborating in activities in the underground struggle.

"I never applied for my voter card or voted, because I never believed in the farce of the pasquines or the millions spent on publicity for individuals who only stood as candidates in order to achieve power, and who would later shamelessly use their position to personally benefit from funds in the public treasury," he affirmed.

Alvarez Cambras said that he feels happy to witness the current electoral procedures and mentioned that, for the fourth time, he is a deputy in the National Assembly of People’s Power (Cuban Parliament), a privilege for him in terms of what it means to work for the people with the dedication that they deserve.