Raúl Castro elected president by Cuba's National Assembly

[HURAKAN]

Fidel's Brother Voted Cuban President
Updated:20:44, Sunday February 24, 2008

Raul Castro has succeeded his brother Fidel as Cuba's president in a historic power shift expected to keep Havana firmly on its communist path.

Fidel, 81, who ruled the country for nearly 50 years, stepped down five days ago after suffering months of poor health.

His career frustrated efforts by 10 US presidents to oust him.

After voting for 76-year-old Raul to replace Fidel, Cuba's parliament accepted the new ruler's proposal to consult with his sibling on all major decisions of state.

Raul was the only candidate put forward for the position.

Jose Ramon Machado, who fought alongside the Castro brothers in the Sierra Maestra during the late 1950s, took the No. 2 slot that Raul had previously held.

Fidel's seat in the National Assembly was empty but, as the new National Assembly's 614 members were read aloud, mention of the absent Castro drew a standing ovation.

The transition was likely to bring few major policy shifts by the communist government.

But many Cubans have expressed hope it would open the door to modest economic openings and an improvement in their daily lives.

Raul headed Cuba's caretaker government for the past 19 months after Fidel announced he had intestinal surgery and was provisionally ceding his powers.

[MiamiensisWx]

Unfortunately, Raul's election will not change anything in Cuba. It's a new name and the same deal.

[HURAKAN]

This is almost like the Pope's election. It's close, between them, and very old. Please, I mean no offense intended to believers, nor I'm comparing in any way Cuba to the Vatican City. There is no comparison.

Raul is 76 yrs old, and the vice-president is 77 yrs old.

[george_r_1961]

Im really not trying to sound like a smart aleck here but how can it be called an "election" when there is only one candidate?

[HURAKAN]

Im really not trying to sound like a smart aleck here but how can it be called an "election" when there is only one candidate?

Exactly. It's not an election when it's already chosen! There is only one party, so there's always only one candidate.

[Brent]

I'm just shocked.

But you do have an interesting point, at Raul's age, he's not going to be around much longer. Is there a successor to him?

[Stephanie]

Great point George! I'm not surprised, but I do have hope for the future of Cuba. It's one step away from Fidel and I think one step closer for the Cuban people to be free. It may be decades away but I believe it will come.

[Hybridstorm_November2001]

Indeed it is in reality an appointment, NOT an election.

[MGC]

I don't think real change will come to Cuba until Castro is dead....MGC

[Beam]

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

[HURAKAN]

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Especially when the old boss is still directing from backstage!

[CajunMama]

I don't think real change will come to Cuba until Castro is dead....MGC

shouldn't castro be plural

[wyq614]

Chinese proverb：“换汤不换药” (pronounced as huan tang bu huan yao)

It means that you add new hot water to the old pack of Chinese herbal medicine, it taste just the same as before.