Havana, September 20 (RHC)-- The president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, said that once the current debate of a new Constitution is completed, the first task of the current legislature will be to work on a new electoral law.

Lazo made this statement during a meeting with his South African counterpart, Baleka Mbete, who is in Havana leading a delegation currently visiting the island, reported Cubadebate.

According to Lazo, six months after the discussions related to the new Constitution have concluded, the work on the new electoral law would be started.

The island's top lawmaker said that the Cuban parliament should be smaller.  "It seems very big to us," he said, adding that the Legislature cannot currently hold sessions in its own headquarters -- the National Capitol -- due to the large number of deputies.

The current legislature is made up of 612 deputies, representing the island's 168 municipalities.

Lazo also made reference to the debate on the draft new Constitution currently underway in neighborhoods, work and educational centers, with an outstanding participation of the Cuban people.

“It is a very thorough text and the opinions of citizens cover all issues, from the role of the Communist Party of Cuba and the organization of the State, to individual rights,” he said.

The president of the parliament noted that once that debates are over next November 15, the document will return to the National Assembly, whose deputies will take into account the proposals made by the general population to prepare the version that will be submitted to a national referendum.

Lazo said that the referendum is expected to take place in late February 2019.