Photo: PL

The debate on the new Cuba’s Draft Constitution, which would replace the one in force since 1976, enters its sixth week in the workplaces, neighborhoods, military units and other entities of the Caribbean island.

Among the most controversial issues are the Cubans’ possibility to invest in their country, the concentration of wealth, effective citizenship, the age limit to be the President of the Republic and same-sex marriage.

In most of the meetings, attendees agreed that modernizing the Constitution is essential to continue the construction of the socialist society.

Two items that are gaining strength in those debates are the right to euthanasia and the need to intensify the fight against corruption that drains the Caribbean nation, as unscrupulous individuals divert and embezzle State resources.

People also insists on establishing in the Constitution the obligatory nature of work. This is a kind of condition so individuals can enjoy social benefits such as free public health.

These debates began on August 13 and will run until November 15. Cuban residents abroad also participate in the consultation.

At the conclusion of the process, the text will return to the National Assembly, where a commission responsible for drafting the Constitution will draw up the final text that will be submitted to a referendum.

The document consists of the preamble, 224 articles (87 more than the current Constitution), divided into 11 titles, 24 chapters and 16 sections.

Eleven articles in the current Constitution are maintained, 113 are modified, and 13 eliminated.