Castro's Constitution changes to go to Cuban referendum

By Neysi Hernandez

HAVANA

Delegates at the seventh Congress of the Communist Party proposed Sunday that changes to the Constitution put forth by President Raul Castro be debated by Cubans.

Portions of the report by the president addressed issues that include not returning the country to capitalism and keeping in place controls to ensure social equity and security.

But making the most headlines were Castro’s proposals to change the country’s Constitution that would set at 60 the age limit for candidates to be allowed to be part of the Central Committee and 70 years old for leadership positions within the party.

The 85-year-old leader who took over from his elder brother Fidel in 2006 and is currently in his second term, also put forth a two-term limit for leaders.

He said the changes would guarantee rejuvenation of the party from the base and through its leaders.

“We will propose to ratify the irrevocable nature of the political and social system endorsed in the current Constitution, which includes the leading role of the Communist Party of Cuba in our society”, Castro said.

“In my case it is not a secret that in 2018 completes the second consecutive term as President of the Councils of State and Ministers and their responsibilities, and will give in to whoever is elected”, he added.

The Congress, which meets every four to five years, currently includes the work of four committees of 1,000 delegates who will discuss the country's strategies to 2030.

One committee will analyze the socialist economic and social model, while remaining groups will address the country's development plan to 2030, the nation´s vision and the implementation of the guidelines approved at the previous Congress and an update for the next five years.

The Congress began Saturday and will run until April 19.

Cubans will go to the polls to vote in a referendum on the proposed changes.

No date has been set for the vote.