IS CASTRO FIT TO “RUN” IN 2008?

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.

The 80-year-old Castro was the world’s longest-ruling head of state, occupying the island’s presidency for 47 years before temporarily stepping aside in favor of his younger brother, Raul, following emergency intestinal surgery in July.

Source: AP

[Has Cuba ever really had fair and free elections? It would seem that a single party system does not hold sway for the fair and free aspect of it. -ed.]

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