Cubans choose new parliament

Cubans today ratified a raft of candidates, including Fidel Castro, for a new parliament that will reveal if the ailing 81-year-old will continue as head of state or be replaced by his younger brother Raul.

Only one candidate appeared on the ballot for each district post and no campaigning was allowed. The Communist Party was the only party permitted to run in the election – although membership is not a prerequisite to serve in the rubber-stamp legislature.