Cuba: New president expected April 19

Event

Cuba’s National Assembly will gather beginning at 09:00 on Wednesday, April 18, to select the country’s next president. The session is expected to take two days, with an announcement on Thursday. Current First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel is widely expected to be nominated. Minor demonstrations by political dissidents are possible, notably in the capital Havana, although any protest would likely be rapidly dispersed by security forces.

Context

Diaz-Canel, relatively young at 57 years old, is seen as socially liberal and a modernizing influence. However, no major policy changes are likely in the short term. Current President Raúl Castro is expected to remain at the head of the Community Party until 2021.

Advice

Individuals in Cuba are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to strictly avoid any protests due to the risk of violence and arrest.