The National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, in the constitutive session of its Tenth Legislature, re-elected H.E. Mr. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez as President of the Republic of Cuba, and H.E. Mr. Salvador Valdés Mesa as Vice-President, for a second five-year term.
In announcing the results of the election, the president of the National Electoral Council, Mrs. Alina Balseiro Gutiérrez, reported that 459 of the total number of deputies (97.66 percent) in a direct and secret vote, gave their approval to the President of the Republic. Similarly, 439 parliamentarians (93.4 percent), voted in favour of Valdés Mesa's candidacy. Both received an absolute majority of votes in favour.
A standing ovation and the embrace of the leader of the Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, sealed this historic moment.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, during his previous term in office, served in the midst of very difficult times and led the country with dedication and firmness, promoting collective leadership, the concept of creative resistance and permanent exchange with the population.
Also re-elected at the same session were Esteban Lazo Hernández as President of the National Assembly and of the Council of State, as well as Mrs. Ana María Mari Machado and Mr. Homero Acosta Álvarez, Vice-President and Secretary respectively.
The election of these posts took place on 19th April, a momentous date on which Cuba commemorates the Victory of Playa Girón, a historic event that occurred in 1961, when a mercenary army, financed and trained by the government of the United States of America, attempted to occupy Cuban territory in order to overthrow the nascent Cuban Revolution. They were defeated by the people in less than 72 hours.
(Embacuba Seychelles)