The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel defended the constitutional reform that eliminates Article 127 of the Constitution of the Republic, removing the requirement to be up to 60 years old to be elected as President of the Republic in the first term.
“The approved constitutional reform constitutes a legitimate and just fact. It responds to the current realities of the country and is true to our history,” Díaz-Canel said about the measure approved on Friday by the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, without prior public consultation.
"In such a way that the Constitution supports the possibility of a broader selection of individuals qualified to be elected as president of the republic. In short, we defend the future of the nation with the approval of this constitutional reform," he added during his speech at the closing of the Assembly's session period.
The measure had been assessed "at the proposal of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz," specified Cubadebate.
Constitutional reform
This decision, approved during the Fifth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power, and driven by the "demographic factor of an aging population" that the country is experiencing, allows individuals over 60 years old "with experience and commitment" to hold such a high responsibility.
The constitutional amendment seeks to allow individuals older than the previously established age to assume the responsibility of the presidency, if this serves the interests of the regime.
The official note specifies that the previous regulation, which set a maximum age for presidential elections in the first term, was deemed appropriate at the time the Constitution was approved.
However, in its justification, the Government argues that the current trend of aging in Cuban society has been a "determining" factor in this recent reform.
The constitutional amendment aims to allow individuals to hold the position if they have "demonstrated experience, results in their work, loyalty and proven track record, and a strong commitment to the Homeland," "if that is what best serves the Revolution at that moment."
The text states that the reform process was carried out "in accordance with constitutional order." However, no popular consultation was conducted to amend an article of such significance in the Constitution.
According to the regime, the Constitution itself establishes a way to be "reformed under certain circumstances."
"We must clarify that this reform does not require ratification through a referendum based on its content, as it does not involve reductions or the request for a mandate from the president of the Republic, as stated in Article 228 of the constitution; it is a proposal of great political significance for the present and future of the nation," argued the president of the ANPP, Esteban Lazo.
Frequently asked questions about the constitutional reform in Cuba
What changes does the constitutional reform introduce in Cuba?
The constitutional reform removes the age limit of 60 years to be elected as President of the Republic for a first term. This amendment allows individuals over 60 years of age, with experience and commitment, to hold the position if it serves the interests of the regime.
Why was a popular consultation not held for this reform?
The Cuban government argued that the reform does not require ratification through a referendum, as it does not directly affect the foundations of the system nor does it imply a reduction of mandate, according to Article 228 of the Constitution. This decision was made without public consultation and was approved by the National Assembly of People's Power.
What is the reason behind the removal of the age limit to be president in Cuba?
The regime justified the removal of the age limit due to the aging population of the country. It is argued that this modification allows for the utilization of the experience of older leaders who have demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the Revolution, as long as it serves the interests of the regime at that moment.
Who proposed the constitutional reform to eliminate the presidential age limit?
The proposal to eliminate the age limit for the presidency was made by Raúl Castro and presented to the Political Bureau of the Communist Party. Subsequently, it was endorsed by the Council of State and approved by the National Assembly of People's Power without visible debate or dissent.
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