Yelenys Tornet Menéndez and Juana Viñals Suárez were first proposed by the president
EFE (via 14ymedio), Havana, 9 December 2024 — Two women were elected this Sunday to occupy the positions of governor and vice-governor of the province of Las Tunas by the delegates to the Municipal Assemblies of People’s Power, following the resignation and suspension of those who previously held those responsibilities.
Yelenys Tornet Menéndez and Juana Viñals Suárez, first proposed by the country’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, were elected as governor and vice governor, respectively, as a result of the vote of the 637 delegates (98.9% of those summoned), reported the state-run Cuban News Agency (ACN).
According to the National Electoral Council (CEN), 99.53% of the votes were cast, there were no spoiled ballots and three blank ballots (1.10%). The new governor and vice-governor of the eastern province are scheduled to take office within 21 days of their election.
According to the National Electoral Council (CEN), a 99.53% of the votes were cast, there were no spoiled ballots and three blank ballots were registered.
The women replace Jaime Chiang Vega, who resigned from his post as governor for “errors” who resigned from his post as governor for “errors” last October, and Vice Governor Ernesto Cruz Reyes, who was suspended from his post for “incurring violations in the exercise of his responsibilities,” according to official media reports at the time.
In the case of Cruz Reyes, his removal from office was endorsed today by the delegates with 620 votes in favor and 16 against.
Last April, the governor of the province of Cienfuegos, Alexandre Corona, also resigned from his post after “acknowledging errors” committed during his four years in office.
A year ago, all the governors were elected for five-year terms, but for various reasons several provinces have had to look for replacements early.
The report notes that the proposals for candidates to fill these positions were submitted by the president to the National Electoral Council, as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic and the Electoral Law.
Candidates must be born in Cuba, have no other citizenship, be at least 30 years old, reside in the province for which they were nominated and be in full enjoyment of civil and political rights. To be elected, candidates must obtain more than 50% of the valid votes cast.
A year ago, all the governors were elected for five-year terms, but for various reasons several provinces have had to look for replacements early.
According to the Constitution approved in 2019, each province is governed by a Provincial Government of People’s Power, made up of a governor and a provincial council.
Díaz-Canel has reiterated in recent months the Government’s “zero tolerance” for economic crimes and corruption, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, quoted in official media, has also called for “a stronger hand” in the face of “laxity, lack of demand and control” in the state sector.
____________
COLLABORATE WITH OUR WORK: The 14ymedio team is committed to practicing serious journalism that reflects Cuba’s reality in all its depth. Thank you for joining us on this long journey. We invite you to continue supporting us by becoming a member of 14ymedio now. Together we can continue transforming journalism in Cuba.
