Havana, December 22 (RHC)-- Because of the exceptional situation caused by Hurricane Irma, the Cuban Parliament unanimously approved to extend the current period of the VIII Legislature that had to end its functions on February 24, and the new deputies will take office on April 19, 2018.

Upon the proposal of the Council of State, the National Assembly of People's Power decided that by virtue of the devastation caused in Cuba by Hurricane Irma and provisions established in the Constitution of the Republic, the current Legislature should be extended for two months.

Article 72 stipulates a five-year term for Parliament that "may only be extended by agreement of the Assembly itself in case of war or under other exceptional circumstances that prevent the normal holding of elections and while such circumstances remain."

Deputy Homero Acosta Álvarez, secretary of the Council of State, pointed to the serious effects of the hurricane throughout the island, noting that it was necessary to extend the dates of the first stage of the elections.

On the newly approved dates, the President, Vice President and Secretary of the provincial and National Assemblies will be elected, as well as the new members of the Council of State and its presidency.

José Luis Toledo Santander, president of the Parliament's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, said that the proposal of the Council of State is covered by Articles 72 and 111 of the Constitution of the Republic.   The severe effects of Hurricane Irma caused an exceptional situation that is reflected in the Constitution.