Amidst a difficult scenario, Cuba is today strengthening its system of government with the release from their regular work duties of delegates to the Municipal Assemblies of People’s Power, in order to guarantee greater community links and solutions.

The Council of State, presided over by Esteban Lazo, indicated in the edict that its objective is «to guarantee a more permanent and effective link with their constituents and systematic attention to the concerns of the community.»

In substantiating the provision, it took into account the difficult economic, social and political scenario in the country, with scarce fuel availability, problems with the national energy system and the complex situation in responding to vital services, aggravated by the recent measures of the United States Government.

The approved text instructs the presidents of the Municipal Assemblies to make available on a full-time basis those delegates whose employment responsibilities permit it.

Meanwhile, those who are not released will maintain, as they have up to now, a permanent relationship with their constituents.

In this way, Cubans will have direct updates on the actions and measures related to the current national situation. At the same time, it will allow for the evaluation of each of the criteria and proposals aimed at solving those concerns and difficulties whose resolution is possible with popular participation.

They will also promote the participation of neighbours in their meetings and in the popular control actions they carry out.

The decision adopted by the Council of State recalls that the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, in its Article 193, establishes that delegates fulfil the mandate conferred by their constituents in the interest of the community, which requires sharing their public duties with their regular employment responsibilities.

The agreement in this complex context recognises that, as on other occasions, «it is meritorious to highlight the experience in the active work carried out by our delegates throughout the time of confronting the pandemic and in the meteorological events that have occurred, based on their direct connection with their constituents, through systematic surgeries and other actions and activities undertaken.»

Constituency delegates in Cuba form part of the Municipal Assemblies of People’s Power and are elected for a period of five years through the free, equal, direct and secret vote of the electors. Only the positions of President and Vice-President of the Municipal Assembly, President of the people’s councils and of those permanent commissions approved by the Assembly are full-time professional roles.