After an absence of almost 20 years, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo returned to exercise his right to vote. Polling station no.1, of constituency no.5, in the municipality of Cerro, Havana, had the privilege of receiving the hero, cheerful as always, who before casting his vote greeted the neighbors who had gathered to see him.
Speaking to the press, his praised the significant levels of participation in these midterm elections of delegates to the Municipal Assemblies of People’s Power, while recognizing that this was a symbolic date on which many emotions converged.
He also highlighted the importance of this first stage as, “We know there are those who complain about the problems existing in certain neighborhoods; however, they don’t take advantage of this opportunity offered by our system to elect the most capable, the most competent person in each constituency.”
This is something, he said, “on which we must continue to insist, so that people gain awareness, as if we are not able to choose the most competent, those who truly identify and engage in solving the problems of each community, then we can not begin to solve our difficulties from the grassroots up.”
“Coming here, more than a right is a duty, especially given the day these elections are being held, as it has been a week full of very significant dates for our people,” Gerardo Hernández added.
Recalling victories, the Hero could not overlook that recently obtained in Panama, “where once again it was demonstrated that we are on the right side of history, as it is the enemy who begins to correct themselves. We have not changed at all, we are proposing the same principles as in 1959, we maintain the same ideas as of the moment they began to isolate Cuba. We're back here in the community and that makes it clear who was wrong.”
Referring to upcoming projects, he noted, “Our mission will always be to serve the people of Cuba, wherever we are needed. We are soldiers and we are awaiting the next command. At the moment we are undertaking some tours to give thanks, somehow, for all the affection we received during the years of imprisonment.”
In this regard he mentioned the visit to Cienfuegos where “We observed the people preparing for the elections. There we received many expressions of affection and we are confident that it will the same anywhere in Cuba.”
By his side, his wife Adriana Pérez, said that this was a happy day, as after so many years they could finally come together to exercise their right to vote.
“Gema is very well,” she added, “we would have liked to bring her but it was not possible, because we have to take care of her so that she can fulfill her duty when the time comes. And she will also be one of the pioneers who will watch over the polls, as did her father and I, when we were pioneers.”
Adriana Pérez also stressed the importance of this first stage of the electoral process in the country, for which this right should be exercised with responsibility in order that those elected fulfill their duty to the people, and also enjoy the support of their constituents.
“Undoubtedly, this is a happy, different day for us and we urge the people to continue to participate in the elections,” Adriana said; while Gerardo assured that this date will be another victorious day for our people.
