HAVANA -- (AP) -- Fidel Castro will be in "perfect shape'' to run for re-election to parliament next spring, the first step toward securing yet another term as Cuba's president, National Assembly head Ricardo Alarcon said Thursday.
"I would nominate him," said Alarcon, the highest-ranking member of parliament. "I'm sure he will be in perfect shape to continue handling his responsibilities."
Mobbed by foreign reporters following a parliamentary session to discuss Cuba's upcoming elections, Alarcon said Castro "is doing fine and continuing to focus on recovery and rehabilitation."
A lengthy process of nominating candidates for municipal elections will begin this summer, leading to several rounds of voting. Then, by March 2008, Cuba should be ready to hold parliamentary elections that are expected to include Castro, Alarcon said.
I'm not surprised that he'd be healthy enough to run the grueling campaign that is required to win in a one-party state which he has personally controlled for 48 years. Are you?
Posted by: cubanpatriot | March 16, 2007 at 12:31 AM
This is evidence of what I have suggested in prior posting, that Castro's revolution will not survive his passing. The very fact that he has to run for "re-election" again proves that unless he is in control, his socioeconomic experiment cannot continue or endure.
Also Mr. Castro's government members enjoy continuity of their authority if he is still in charge. At least that is the perception, I believe. So its like everything stays pretty much the same, government members keep their authority, no need to rock the boat, yet.
This is also another example of classic organizational behavior, first order of business - survival and maintenance of the status quo. That ensures continuity and predictability.
Can you imagine what the reaction would be if Alarcon or any other Cuban minister stated they were a candidate for the Presidency of Cuba?
Not to mention the fact that the lack of pluralism and multi-political parties also makes this announcement no surprise at all.
Posted by: usambcuba | March 16, 2007 at 08:31 AM
Do you REALLY think these will be fair elections? Don't think people will be coerced into voting for Castro and/or the communist party? Do you think other candidates (pro-democracy ones) will be able to even run? The answer to all of these questions is a big FAT NO. And until the answer is yes, the people of Cuba will continue to live in repression.
Also, I hope they don't send that IDIOT HICK Jimmy Carter to monitor the elections. He was supposed to do that in Venezuela, and look what happened, even the DEAD got to vote.
Posted by: Ric | March 16, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Every six months or so "The Lost City" of Miami votes to see which car dealer will become the next President of Cuba..and during the U.S.elections Miami even digs up "their dead". Lets see now,Miami steals it,and Cuba takes it..Waz da dif,bro..
Posted by: victor | March 16, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Bicho malo nunca muere
Posted by: amp | March 18, 2007 at 09:40 PM
AMP!!!! Long time no see (great and accurate comment, by the way)....
Wow, Castro "running" for re-election. The only thing that runs on Castro are his bowels.
I love "elections" in Cuba; if that isn't the definition of "farce", I don't know what is.
Posted by: a thought... | March 19, 2007 at 11:21 AM
No,the defenition of farce is Cubans in Miami...You boyz need a bicho malo to keep you in check...give me some new stuff guyz,you are boring us cubans here in the north...Remember,athought...Lead! STOP BEING A FOLLOWER...
Posted by: victor | March 19, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Victor, do I know you? Why are you still here....? I'm still waiting for all you "Cuba for Cubans only" to go back...After all, the island needs all the help it can get. I'm sure you, with your vast knowledge of Miami politics and exemplary grammar, would be a welcome addition...
You stop being a follower...John is the only one around here allowed to act the idiot. You are a pretender to the throne. And picture, if you will, what kind of "throne" I am referring to....
Posted by: a thought... | March 20, 2007 at 08:51 AM
as a matter of gramar a thought,At the moment you just helped me release a few of your thoughts.OK,Im back..love that "trone",throne im solly.got to werk on dat granmar. of course you know me..Im the one that keeps yuor bullshit in check..Insanity, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results..You crazy cuban wannabe..your a groundhog athought..the closest thing to your face is your nose and you cant see that..CUBA FOR CUBANS ON THE ISLAND..ahhhh,damn back to the trone..got to go..plese shek my bee speeelng..yes speelng..oh wharever....dale papi que tevoy a escribir 3en espanol para confudirte mas
Posted by: victor | March 20, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Mi espanol es mejor que el tuyo, estupido. Ni en ingles ni en espanol sirves para nada. You are polluting our blog, Victor. Still waiting for you to leave....get going, Mr. Cuba. I'm sure Fidelito is waiting for you with open arms.
I'm through speaking to this moron in either language.
Posted by: a thought... | March 22, 2007 at 09:20 AM
athought---im sorry if i step on your dress so much....like i said b4,I got to help filter the bull for others.Getting the pits out of the juice so to speak.Like I said,b4,you got that cubiche going on real strong this time...Listen,Im going to make a donation to help balseros..you think anyone of your "companeros" like the CANF boys,or the calle ocho Jaycees,would like to match my donation?? Cmon,lets help them.Remember,the money doesnt go to Castro. Ay, chica..So you say you speak better spanish than I do..and your dad can beat up my dad etc...calmate nina.Relajate un poquito..No sigas las ideas de otros..Lead!! Do your own research,and try to get that Early Adolescent Political Poisoning (EAPS) in check..Hope my granmar was better..Lend me that thesauros that I notice a lot of cubiches use in posting on blogs...PLEASE LEARN ME!
Posted by: victor | March 22, 2007 at 02:50 PM