This past Friday, the National Assembly of People's Power in Cuba made a significant change to Article 127 of the nation's Constitution, abolishing the age cap of 60 for individuals vying for the presidency in their first term. This alteration, enacted without prior public consultation during the Fifth Ordinary Period of Sessions, was driven by the island's "demographic aging factor". It opens the door for those over 60, who possess "experience and commitment", to hold this esteemed office.
The constitutional amendment aims to enable older candidates to assume the presidency if deemed beneficial for the regime's objectives. An official announcement on Cubavisión Internacional's social media, echoed by other state-run outlets, noted that the previous age restriction was suitable when the Constitution was initially ratified. However, the government now claims that Cuba's aging population has played a "decisive" role in prompting this recent change.
The reform intends to allow candidates who demonstrate "experience, proven achievements, loyalty, and dedication to the nation" to take office, if it serves the Revolution's needs at the time. While the reform process adhered to the "constitutional order," it notably bypassed any public consultation, despite the article's significant importance.
The regime maintains that the Constitution itself permits amendments under certain conditions. "We must clarify that this reform does not require ratification through referendum, as it does not pertain to term reductions or presidential mandates as outlined in Article 228 of the Constitution. It is a proposal of considerable political significance for the present and future of the nation," stated ANPP President Esteban Lazo.
The amendment followed a request from Raúl Castro to reconsider the matter. According to Prensa Latina, Esteban Lazo noted that the Council of State had approved the draft constitutional reform law, pushing forward the initiative to amend Article 127. Prior to the presentation of the new regulation on Friday, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party reviewed the proposal at Raúl Castro's suggestion.
Until this recent change, Article 127 stipulated that a presidential candidate in Cuba must be at least 35 years old, not exceed 60, enjoy full civil and political rights, be a Cuban citizen by birth, and hold no other citizenship.
Implications of Cuba's Constitutional Amendment on Presidential Age Limit
Why was the age limit for the Cuban presidency removed?
The age limit was removed to accommodate the country's aging demographic, allowing individuals over 60 with experience and commitment to assume the presidency if it aligns with the regime's goals.
Was the Cuban public consulted about the constitutional change?
No, the amendment was made without prior public consultation, despite the significant implications of altering the Constitution.
Who initiated the proposal to amend Article 127 of the Cuban Constitution?
The proposal to amend Article 127 was initiated by Raúl Castro and subsequently reviewed and approved by the Council of State and the Communist Party's Political Bureau.