The Facts
Cuba’s National Assembly on Wednesday ratified President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the country's first leader not surnamed Castro in six decades, for a second five-year term, maintaining continuity as the Caribbean island faces an economic crisis.
The sole candidate was backed by 459 of the 462 legislators present in parliament, with eight lawmakers absent. Political opposition to the Communist Party of Cuba, which has been in power since 1959, is illegal in the country.
The Spin
Narrative A
The election of Díaz-Canel and Valdés for another five-year term reinforces the public's support of the national leaders whose abilities have been proven as they have guided the country through very inauspicious circumstances made worse by US policies. The Cuban people recognize their efforts, which include prioritizing collective work, innovation and science, and work methods based on dialogue.
Narrative B
Despite Díaz-Canel's disastrous first term having prompted an unprecedented level of anti-government protests, he will remain in charge of the country for more than five years. Given his management and direct calls on "revolutionaries and communists" to assault those demonstrating on the streets, it seems that the Communist Party's goal is to allow him to break all his infamous records and continue to isolate Cuba from the rules-based world order.