According to partial data on Sunday one hour before closing polling stations, 95 percent of Cubans had voted in the second stage of general elections.

Maria Ester Reus, president of the National Electoral Commission (CEN), told press that over 8.1 million Cubans of almost over 8.4 million registered, voted in the nearly 39,000 polling sites.

"We consider that is a satisfactory, positive report, despite the rain fallen in a good part of the Cuban territory due to a cold front," Reus noted.

Cuban President Fidel Castro voted a united ticket after a member of the polling station number 1, constituency 13, where the statesman is registered to vote, went to the place where he is recovering to receive his vote.

"I cast a united vote with conscience. Let"s show the world our conscience and culture," wrote the island"s head of State in the text read in front of those present in the polling station.

For First Vice President Raul Castro, these elections have been a very important step to elect the new Parliament in a complex stage, in which "we have to face different situations and important decisions."

Vice President Carlos Lage stated that the foundations of the Cuban electoral system are a reason for pride and satisfaction for all the inhabitants of the island.

Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque ensured that the new Parliament will have to be faithful to the people"s mandate to foster the Revolution and socialism in Cuba.

General elections were called by the Council of State in July, and its first phase closed in October with the election of 15,236 delegates for the 169 municipal assemblies of the People"s Power.

(PL)