Mariela Castro rules out succeeding her father as leader of Cuba

The daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro, Mariela Castro, stated Wednesday that she would not accept to follow her father as head of state of the country when he steps down in 2018, although she said there could be "surprises" when choosing the next leader.

"Among the people of Cuba, there are millions of candidates...I will not let them nominate me for a task (the presidency) as large as that," said Mariela Castro in a press conference from Havana.

Raul Castro, 85, has said repeatedly that he will step down as president after his second term ends in February 2018, after almost 12 years in power.

Mariela, who is currently the director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), indicated there could be "surprises" during this electoral process, which is set to begin toward the end of the year.

In the first stage, around 600 deputies of the National Assembly will be elected. They will then be charged with naming candidates and then selecting those who will take over this historical change in the course of Cuban power.

Mariela Castro also referred to the country's progress to eradicate existing prejudices against the LGBT community. Since 2007, CENESEX has led commemorations for the International Day against Homophobia on May 17, with a parade in Havana and educational activities across the island.

"We are awaiting constitutional amendments to facilitate the legislative changes we are proposing, including broad topics for LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage," she commented.

Castro has for 10 years led a national campaign against sexual discrimination and LGBT rights. Homosexual relationships have been legal on the island since 1979 and sex reassignment surgeries have been legal since 2008. However, no homosexual civil partnerships or marriages have yet been legalized. Enditem