Cuba's brand of democracy on display as voters select local leaders

HAVANA – Cubans by the millions are going to the polls to vote in municipal elections.

The island-wide vote is hailed by Communist Party leaders as evidence the country long ruled by Fidel and Raul Castro does have a representative government.

Critics say the process is a sham because there is no campaigning and only the Communist Party is recognized on the island. Even it doesn't formally put forward candidates, who are drawn from local communities.

Near 100 percent participation is expected in Sunday's vote. Observers will be watching to see if state-media broadcasts images of Fidel Castro casting his ballot, since the aging revolutionary's health has been the subject of intense rumors lately.