The Republic of Cuba’s Council of State agreed to initiate, on April 18, the Constituent Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power 9th Legislature, at the Havana International Conference Center. Follow our coverage live on our official Facebook and Twitter accounts
10:10 a.m. The Army General was the first to approach the voting booth located at the back of the hall. Raúl casts his vote for the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power.
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10:07 a.m. The 605 deputies prepare to vote.
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10:02 a.m. Gisela Duarte Vázquez, President of the National Candidature Commission, described the work undertaken by this electoral authority to select nominees, taking into account their merits, abilities, track record and service to the people. Duarte Vázquez reads out proposals for President, vice president and secretary of the National Assembly of People’s Power:
For President: Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, citing his successful efforts as President of the National Assembly for the last five years, and achievements made to date.
For Vice president: Ana María Mari Machado, a trained lawyer and capable individual who served as CEN president in 2010.
For Secretary: Miriam Brito Sarroca, who has served as a deputy since 2008.
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10:00 a.m. The President of the CEN invites deputies to sign the oath.
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9:58 a.m. Deputies remain standing as the oath is read aloud.
The President of the CEN asks if all swear to uphold the oath. Deputies reply in unison, “Yes, I swear!”
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9:52 a.m. Information on the composition of the National Assembly:
47.4 % of deputies have been reelected, while 56% are serving for the first time. The average age of deputies is 49, and over 80% were born after the triumph of the Revolution.
9:20 a.m. Alina Balseiro, President of the National Electoral Commission (CEN) reads out the names of deputies who then stand and present their Election Certificate to be validated by the relevant CEN authority.
Listed below are the 605 deputies to the National Assembly:
Photo: Granma
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9:17 a.m. Raúl opens the Constituent Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power 9th Legislature
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9:10 a.m. Photos from the Conference Center
Photos from the Convention center just before the Constituent Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power 9th Legislature beings.
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9:05 a.m. Interview with Yamila González Ferrer, vice president of the National Union of Lawyers of Cuba:
González Ferrer noted that political campaigns do not take place in Cuba, stating that “when it comes to democracy people often focus on the electoral process,” when in reality, “it’s much more than that, just as our democratic process shows,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Granma also spoke to Fabio Fernández, professor at the University of Havana’s Philosophy Faculty, who summed up Cuban elections in one sentence: “The Assembly is a reflection of Cuba.”
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8:57 a.m. Cuban television begins its special broadcast of the Constituent Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power 9th Legislature
Deputies recently arrived at the Conference center, while journalists gather in the press room. Granma correspondents continue to provide live coverage of events via social media.
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8:56 a.m. Composition of the Cuban Parliament:
When, in 1993, Fidel reviewed the composition of the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP), he noted that the growing number of university graduates, Black, Mixed Race, and female members reflected the “the way in which inequality and discrimination have been disappearing in our country.”
Women make up 53.22% of the 605 deputies elected last March 11, making Cuba the second country in the world with the highest number of female parliamentarians, behind Rwanda with 61.3%.
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8:50 a.m. On Sunday, March 25, Provincial Assemblies of People’s Power were constituted, composed of 1,265 delegates elected by the people March 11, who after assuming their seats, elected via a secret ballot vote, the Presidents and Vice Presidents of these bodies.
Recenty elected national deputies were invited to the constitution of Provincial Assemblies in their respective territories, as were representatives of political, social, and grassroots organizations, according to ACN.
8:45 a.m. With the election, this Thursday, April 19, of the President, Vice President, and Secretary of the National Assembly of people’s Power, we will be one step closer to concluding the general elections process underway in the country, since it began with their convocation June 17, 2017.
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8:30 a.m. The Republic of Cuba’s Council of State, on the basis of authorities with which it is vested, agreed to initiate the Constituent Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power 9th Legislature, this Wednesday, April 18, at 9:00am, in the Havana International Conference Center. This decision was made to facilitate taking all steps required of a session of this magnitude.
(Granma)