Santa Clara, March 11 (RHC)-- Cuban first vice president Miguel Diaz Canel cast his ballot in the island´s general elections in Santa Clara city in Central Cuba. Diaz Canel stood in line with his wife for some 20 minutes before exercising his right to vote. While he waited he spoke and greeted other voters.

In remarks to the press after the vote, he highlighted that Sunday´s elections are a democratic exercise to reaffirm, confirm, and defend the continuity of the island´s political system.

He recalled the challenges being faced by Cuba at a time when relations with the US are deteriorating as a result of newly implemented policies by the Donald Trump Administration.

“The Trump administration has offended and has launched insults against the island, has returned to Cold War rhetoric and has approved measures that offend and harm millions of Cubans and US citizens on both sides of the Florida Straits,” he said.

Diaz Canel added that the new leadership that results from Sunday´s elections will have the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of the generation that built the Cuban Revolution.   He said: “This is a tribute to Fidel and a demonstration of support for Raúl, and the historical generation.  We will continue on the path of the Revolution."

Regarding the threats coming from Washington, the first vice president said that Cuba has weathered threats and attacks for almost six decades, and that the island´s authorities and its people will remain firm in the defense of its tranquility, freedom, independence and sovereignty.

Over 8 million voters are expected to participate in this second stage of the elections to choose 605 deputies to the National Assembly of Peoples Power—the National Parliament—  and the members of the provincial assemblies.

By 11 o clock in the morning, National Electoral authorities reported that 45.5 % of registered voters had cast their ballots all over the island.