Official results of Cuba’s recent local elections showed that interim president Raul Castro was the most preferred candidate. Both Raul and ailing brother Fidel were easily elected to the National Assembly with Raul winning 99.3% of the ballots in his race while Fidel won 98.2%. Still, could the election’s outcome mean that the Cuban populace does not want Fidel to return as head of state? As the AFP observed:
Some speculate Raul Castro might become president on a permanent basis or that another top regime official might move up the ladder technically ending Fidel Castro's official dominance of the regime. Few, however, doubt Fidel would remain influential in the latter case.
While Fidel Castro appears to be in better health than a year ago, many Cuba-watchers believe he will not be able to resume the full, wide-ranging powers he used to wield.
Ultimately, it will be up to the 614-member National Assembly to decide on February 24th whether Fidel will be selected as president.
Sources- AFP, Associated Press, Reuters
Image- CNN (“Raúl Castro leads a Havana march Sunday for the 155th birth anniversary of Cuban national hero José Martí.”)
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