Raul Castro has been selected as Cuba's next president in a decision made this afternoon by the Cuban National Assembly.Raul [image] had been the favorite to win the post after older brother Fidel said last week that he would step down permanently as president. Raul had been named interim president in July 2006 when health reasons forced Fidel to temporarily relinquish his post.
In what Reuters reports as as a "surprise move", "hardline communist" Jose Ramon Machado Ventura was named first vice president instead of a younger, more moderate choice. This may not bode well for those expecting a swift transition towards democracy on the island.
What awaits Raul is a precarious situation according to BBC News:
Our correspondent says Raul Castro now has to steer the Caribbean island through un-charted waters in an unpredictable period of economic and political renewal.
Before Sunday's session, Raul Castro had suggested implementing major economic reforms and "structural changes".
He has worked to ensure a smooth political transition, keeping the army loyal to the regime and strengthening the Communist Party's hold by introducing reforms and weeding out corrupt officials.
He has also had the advantage of continued economic support from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in the form of millions of barrels of cheap oil, our correspondent adds.
Sources- Associated Press, boston.com, BBC News, The Latin Americanist, chicagotribune.com
Image- CBS News
