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Raul Castro to remain head of Cuba's Communist Party until 2021

Raul Castro to remain head of Cuba's Communist Party until 2021

Raul Castro

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Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday

Cuba's Raul Castro stepped down as the President on Thursday making way for Miguel Diaz-Canel to take up the office.

While Castro handed over the baton to his successor Canel, he shared that he will continue to head Cuba's Communist Party until 2021.

86-year-old Castro noted that after 2021 he will continue to defend the revolution and be a soldier alongside the people of Cuba.

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On Thursday, Cuba witnessed the presidential power handed-over to a non-Castro leader for the first time in the last 60 years.

Miguel Diaz-Canel was named Cuba's new president on Thursday. Canel succeeds Raul Castro putting an end to a historic six-decade-long Castro-rule over the country.

57-year-old Canel was the only candidate for the presidency and was elected to a five-year term.

Canel secured 603 out of 604 votes in the National Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)