Cuba's Raul Castro term in office likely extended

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Cuban parliament in Thursday extended its term from February until April in a move almost certain to extend President Raul Castro's time in office.

Castro was expected to step down Feb. 28 at the end of his second term, ending an era of his family's rule on the island nation.

Multiple media reports said the parliament's delay was prompted by Hurricane Irma that devastated the Caribbean in September. It hit Cuba as a Category 5 hurricane Sept. 8, damaging structures largely in the country's north.

Some had expected Castro to stay beyond his expected departure, and there is no clear heir apparent.

Castro came to power in 2008, taking over for his brother Fidel who battled health issues in his later years.

New elections have been scheduled for April 19.