Over 27,000 candidates to run in Cuban election

Havana Nov 4 (IANS) The nomination of candidates to run for municipal positions at the next general election in Cuba to start on November 26 concluded with 27 221 nominees the National Electoral Commission disclosed.

According to the statement published by the official media 35.4 per cent of the candidates are women and 66.44 per cent are running for re-election Xinhua news agency reported.

The National Electoral Commission (CEN) stated that the first stage of the electoral process held from September 4 to October 30 concluded in a "satisfactory way" with over 12 500 popular meetings held throughout the country to nominate the next leaders of 168 municipal assemblies.

In Cuba the candidates are forbidden from actual political campaigning with only their photos and biographies being exhibited for the population to select for whom to vote.

Among the new delegates will be selected the members of the 15 Provincial Assemblies and half of the nominees for the National Parliament.

Cuba holds municipal elections every 2.5 years while provincial and national deputies are elected for five-year terms.

The polls this time are being followed with particular attention since they will conclude with the new President s election as Raul Castro is set to step down after his second five-year term ends in February 2018.

--IANS
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