Politics of Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Sept. 24 his government wants a "civilized" relationship with the United States - despite the embargo imposed on the island by the US since 1962.

HAVANA - Through the Space Age, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Internet era, Cubans held one constant: A Castro ruled the nation.

That is about to change.

Cuban voters will take part today in the first round of universal elections. More than eight million Cuban residents are urged to go to the polls for the first time since the death of the Cuban revolution leader, Fidel Castro, a year ago.

Cuba's first ultra luxury hotel opened its doors on May 22 in Havana, with guests paying up to $2,500 a night to stay in five-star comfort on the Communist island.