Havana - Raul Castro was most likely to succeed his brother, Fidel Castro, as Cuban head of state on Sunday, after becoming the only nominee for the post of president of the Communist island's Council of State, one legislator told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa. Cuba's new National Assembly was to vote on this designation and others. To be elected to the posts, nominees will need to obtain at least 50 per cent of the votes cast by the National Assembly.
The 614-member assembly, which was elected on January 20 and includes the Castro brothers, was to elect the country's 31-member Council of State, the president of which serves as Cuba's head of state and government
Raul Castro, 76, Cuba's long-time defence minister, was seen as the favourite to head Cuba. On Sunday, he was in attendance at the first session of the new legislature at the Palacio de Convenciones in Havana, wearing a dark suit and tie.
Although Raul's election as president of the Council of State had been expected, many observers noted there was a surprise in the nomination for the post of first vice president.
Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 76, a member of the country's "revolutionary old guard" and a vice president until Sunday, was put forward to replace Raul Castro, in what many saw as a sign that few great changes are in store. Many had expected the post to go to reform-minded Carlos Lage, 56.
Legislator Julio Mendez confirmed to
