Cuba is ready for changes, its new constitution will recognise private property, maintain rights such as religious freedom but will also make explicit the principle of non-discrimination due to gender identity, Granma reported.
Cuban new government is going to make some changes to the 1976 constitution, those are expected to be approved at a national assembly vote next week and then put to a referendum for final approval later this year. The most significant change is recognising the private property, its sales were banned after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, but permitted after a law change in 2011.
A new constitution featuring far-reaching changes, the new reforms also include the introduction of the presumption of innocence in the island’s justice system and the creation of the position of prime minister, alongside the existing president.
The draft constitution would then be put to a popular referendum for final approval later this year. If it is passed it will replace the existing constitution which was approved by the Communist Party in 1976.
Recognising private property could potentially mean more protections under law for private entrepreneurs – and foreign investors. But under the proposed reforms the party will remain as Cuba’s dominant political force.
Under a new constitution, Presidents will be limited to serving two consecutive five-year terms and political power will be divided between the president and a prime minister. Since 2010, Cuba has undergone a series of market reforms aimed at boosting the island’s economy.
Cuban National assembly proposed a number of constitutional reforms last month, among them is the presidential term limits and the legalisation of same-sex marriage. With the recognition of the private property, the island will move to the prosperous future with plenty of international investments.
