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Dow Jones chief announces exit ... Cubans have begun voting to elect a new National Assembly or parliament.

Only one person is standing per seat, including ailing leader Fidel Castro, even though he has not been seen in public for almost a year-and-a-half.

More than 90% of voters are expected to turn out for what is a key step in determining whether Mr Castro remains as head of state.

There are 614 candidates contesting 614 seats. It is a low-key affair in this one-party state, with no campaigning.

But with an ageing leadership, Cuba's Communist Party has encouraged younger people to become involved.

Almost two-thirds of the candidates are standing for the first time, the majority of them are under 50 years old.

The new National Assembly has to meet within 45 days to select the country's president and a new Council of State.

Only then will it become apparent whether 81-year-old Fidel Castro intends to remain as head of state or retire and continue in his current role of elder statesman.

(BBC)

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