The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Havana

Cuban leader Fidel Castro has said he would give up power for good, but the island has been left in suspense over who will take the helm amid hopes his successor will break with the authoritarian past.

All eyes will turn to the national assembly on Sunday when the communist country's legislature picks a new head of state to replace the 81-year-old Castro, who was sidelined by gastrointestinal surgery in July 2006.

His brother, Raul Castro, 76, who has served as provisional president for the last 19 months, is widely considered the likely successor.

But analysts believe that Cuba's powerbrokers could turn to a new generation of leaders after nearly half a century of Castro rule. Vice President Carlos Lage, 56, is seen as a potential successor.