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(Redirected from National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba)

The 'National Assembly of People’s Power' (Spanish: ''Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular'') is the legislative parliament of the Republic of Cuba and the supreme body of State power. It has 609 members elected from single-member electoral districts for a term of five years. The Assembly's current President is Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada. The assembly meets twice a year, between sessions legislative power is held by the 31 member Council of Ministers. The most recent elections were held on 19 January 2003.

Contents

Overview

History

Elections

Composition

External link

Overview

The Assembly is a one-chamber Unicameral Parliament, and the only body in Cuba that is invested with constituent and legislative authority. It holds two regular sessions a year, which are public unless the Assembly itself votes to hold them behind closed doors for reasons of state. It has permanent commissions to look after issues of legislative interest at times when the Assembly is not in session.
The National Assembly has the power to amend the Constitution, pass, amend, and repeal laws, debate and approved national plans for economic development, the State budget, credit and financial programs, the guidelines for domestic and foreign policies. It hears the reports from national government and administration agencies and can also grant amnesties. Among its permanent or temporary commissions are those in charge of issues concerning the economy, the sugar industry, food production, industries, transportation and communications, constructions, foreign affairs, public health, defense and interior order. The National Assembly also has permanent departments that oversee the work of the Commissions, Local Assemblies, Judicial Affairs and Administration.

History

The Assembly originated from the nation-wide elections held in 1976 following the ratification of the 1976 Constitution of Cuba. Elected officials, according to the procedures established by law, met for the first time on December 2, that year, thus formally setting up the Cuban Parliament. The Constitution, approved in a Referendum on February 14 1976, empowered the National Assembly as the supreme body of State power.

Elections

:''See main article:Elections in Cuba''
The assembly deputies are nationally elected every five years. Half of the candidates are nominated at public meetings before gaining approval from electoral committees, while the other half are nominated by public solidarity organisations (such as trade unions, farmers organisations and Students' unions). The nomination process is therefore conducted in accordance with the principles of direct democracy, in marked contrast to the party primary system.
The Assemby itself elects the 31 members of the Council of State; their terms expire when a new Assembly is elected. The assembly elects the President, Vice President and Secretary of the Council of State, who must report to the National Assembly on all its work and tasks. It also elects the Council of Ministers, the members of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General Office of Cuba.

Composition

:''See main article Cuban legislative election, 2003''

External link

★ Official website