Castro runs for re-election

Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is running for re-election to parliament today.

Some 8.4 million voters are being asked to ratify President Castro and 613 other top Communists, career politicians, musicians and athletes to posts in the National Assembly of Popular Power.

President Castro, 81, has not been seen in public for nearly 18 months and has said he is too sick to give speeches or campaign.

Cuba's unchallenged leader since 1959, President Castro ceded power to his younger brother Raul in July 2006 following emergency intestinal surgeries, and remains stricken with an undisclosed illness he is recovering from in a secret location.

Although not seen in public, the veteran leader has made several appearances on television.