Cuba begins public debate on Constitutional draft

Wednesday, 15/08/2018 14:29
Cuba on August 13th began debate on the Constitutional draft in a series of public forums, which will present their conclusions to lawmakers.

Photo for illustration (Source: AFP)

Citizens will be able to discuss the new constitution at 135,000 forums until November 15th.

They will present their conclusions to the 33 lawmakers writing up the final version, which will be submitted to a referendum in February 2019.

The Cuban National Assembly last month approved a draft amendment to the 1976 Constitution, including amendments that would pave the way for the recognition of private small businesses and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The draft of the new national charter, which includes 224 articles, has already been approved by the Cuban legislature.

The current constitution was written in 1976. Since 2010, Cuba has undergone a series of market reforms aimed at boosting the island’s economy.

The National Assembly proposed a number of constitutional reforms last month, including presidential term limits and the legalization of same-sex marriage, as the country moves to decide its political future.

The constitutional reform also opens a path to owning property, and will recognize private property and businesses as part of Cuba's socialist economy, which Cuban officials note is a big step toward improving the island's wealth, and a move forward from the current communist constitution that only recognizes state property and agricultural businesses./.

Compiled by BTA

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