Cuba has scrapped the rule that barred individuals over the age of 60 from running for president, following a new constitutional amendment passed by the country’s parliament on Friday. The change will take effect ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Previously, the Cuban constitution — revised in 2019 — set both a two-term limit for the presidency and a maximum age of 60 for candidates. While the term limits and the minimum age requirement of 35 remain unchanged, the removal of the upper age cap marks a notable shift in leadership eligibility.
According to National Assembly President Esteban Lazo, the amendment permits any citizen “in full possession of their mental and physical faculties” and with a strong record of revolutionary commitment to contest for the presidency, regardless of age.
One of the first to endorse the change was 94-year-old former president Raúl Castro, who still holds a seat in the assembly. His early vote in favor of the reform signaled continued influence by the old revolutionary guard.
Cuba’s current president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, now 65, was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023. As of now, no official successor has been named, though the constitutional update may expand the pool of potential candidates in future elections.
The 2019 constitutional reforms had originally introduced age and term limits as part of a move to modernize Cuba’s political structure after nearly six decades of rule under Fidel and Raúl Castro. Fidel led the country until health issues forced him to step down in 2006; he passed away in 2016. Raúl later assumed full leadership, officially retiring from political leadership in 2021.
The latest change comes as Cuba grapples with its most severe economic crisis in decades — plagued by shortages of essential goods, frequent power outages, and a significant increase in emigration.
Analysts view the amendment as both a practical and symbolic adjustment, potentially paving the way for experienced leaders to re-enter the political landscape at a time when the island faces mounting challenges.
