Cuban MPs to Continue Draft Constitution Study

The study days precede the detailed presentation of the new project Friday, during the 9th Legislature of the Assembly in its second ordinary period.

It is expected that, over the weekend and after an in-depth discussion, the lawmakers will approve the text, which, if it were to happen, would correspond to the more than eight million Cubans empowered to vote, deciding in a referendum whether or not to replace the current constitution in force since 1976.

Over nine million people participated in a consultation from August 13 to November 15 to give their opinion on the initial draft – endorsed in July in Parliament – in which 783,000 proposals were issued.

The process materialized in 133,000 meetings in neighborhoods and work and study centers included, in an unprecedented way, the Cuban contribution by those fulfilling a mission or residing abroad, who issued more than 2,100 proposals.

The more than 700,000 requests to add, modify or remove articles from the previous document were transformed after processing into nearly 9,600 sample proposals.

Out of these, 4,809 opinions are reflected in the new version, which represents a little more than 50 percent acceptance.

The vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, Congresswoman Ines Maria Chapman, in statements to Prensa Latina, highlighted the democratic character of the constitutional reform process in Cuba.

Chapman meant that the current draft being studied in the National Assembly is quite different from the one subjected to consultation, thanks to the people’ contribution.

The text ratifies the Cuban socialist character and the leading role of the Communist Party in society.

It also broadens individual rights, proposes changes in the structure of the State, stimulates foreign investment and recognizes the role of the market in the economy and various forms of property, including private property.