Cuban Parliament Green Lights New Constitution, Heads To Referendum
Source: Reuters
HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban lawmakers on Saturday unanimously approved a revised draft of a new constitution that retains the island's one-party socialist system but reflects its socio-economic opening since the fall of the Soviet Union.
The draft new constitution, which has 229 articles and will replace a Cold War era one, will maintain the Communist Party as the country's guiding force and the state's dominance of the economy, according to state-run media. A copy has not yet been distributed to the public.
The document however also legitimizes private business that has blossomed over the last decade, acknowledges the importance of foreign investment and opens the door to gay marriage, according to state-run media.
It imposes age and term limits on the presidency, after late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and his younger brother Raul Castro ruled the country for nearly six decades, and introduces the role of a prime minister. -MORE...
Read more: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/cuban-parliament-green-lights-new-constitution-heads-to-referendum/ar-BBRjxa0?ocid=HPCOMMDHP15
The constitution draft removes the definition of marriage, opening the door to same-sex union. The government has stated it will update the family code and in two years face a referendum.
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