Havana, Cuba.- Electoral authorities today declared open more than 25,340 polling stations in Cuba”s 15 provinces for the referendum on the island”s new Constitution.

With an address on radio and television, which followed the national anthem, at 07:00 local time began the free, direct and secret vote to which more than eight million people over 16 are summoned to answer Yes or No to the question ‘Do you ratify the new Constitution of the Republic?.

The voting is scheduled until 18:00 local time and the National Electoral Commission (CEN) announced systematic reports on the day as well as a press conference tomorrow afternoon to give preliminary results.

From very early on, in tours through the several polling stations in different cities of the country Prensa Latina verified the work of the members of the electoral tables, who before the opening of the centers reviewed organizational details and assurance.

Many voters also waited outside the facilities, as well as primary and secondary school students, who in Cuba are responsible for the custody of the ballot boxes.

According to the president of the National Electoral Commission (CEN), Alina Balseiro, the conditions are created for a massive participation of Cubans in the votes, as traditionally on the island.

It is predicted that there will be clear support in the ballot boxes for the constitution approved in December by the National Assembly of People’s Power, a text that ratifies socialism in Cuba, includes changes in the structure of the State, expands individual rights and guarantees, and recognizes private property, among other forms.