Mike Pompeo criticized the referendum on Cuba's new constitution: "No one should be deceived by this process"

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo disqualified the referendum on Cuba's Constitution this weekend, saying "no one should be deceived"for a process that"only perpetuates the pretext of the dictatorship"

"The new constitution reaffirms mainly the role of the Communist Party as the only legal political party and declares the socialist system "irrevocable""Pompeo said in a statement.

The Secretary of State also pointed out that it blocks the possibility of much needed economic reform.

According to the Cuban authorities, more than 87 percent of voters approved the new constitution, which provides a solid foundation for socialism. On this occasion, Cubans had the opportunity to vote "no" and the opposition, which generally calls for abstention, advocated this option.

In the statement, Pompeo also denounced the arrest of protesters before the vote and confiscation of mobile phones. "We strongly condemn these attempts to silence peaceful demonstrations, which show that Cuban leaders are afraid of the Cuban people," he added.

This referendum comes at a time when the United States has increased pressure on the island.

Former US President Barack Obama had begun a process of reconciliation with Cuba in defending the efforts of half a century to overthrow Fidel Castro and his successor in power, which had isolated the United States in this position.

(With information from AFP)