Evolving Cuban political system: Increasing participation of citizens in the decision-making process

The evolution of Cuba’s political system, with a focus on increasing citizen participation in decision-making, is a complex and multifaceted process that needs to be understood within its historical context. While there is limited information available on this subject due to a global north-centric perspective, it is important to recognize Cuba’s unique journey. 

The Cuban political system since 1959 can be best understood within its own historical context. Corruption, growing economic disparities, rising unemployment, increasing unpopularity of Batisa, US arms embargo, and spiralling popularity of the Communist groups and the charismatic leader Fidel Castro were responsible for the 1959 Revolution. Fidel Castro assumed all powers in 1976 to control the situation, in which he was successful to some extent. 

The political liberalisation took place in three phases. First, in 1992-1993, Fidel Castro’s government introduced electoral reforms that allowed for direct elections to the National Assembly and legalised small businesses, private employment, and the use of U.S. dollars. However, Cuba faced economic difficulties due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and ongoing U.S. sanctions. 

The second phase began when Raul Castro took over. In August 2011, the National Assembly approved a new set of measures that further liberalised the system. Steps were taken to reduce the State’s role in the agricultural, construction, transportation, and retail sectors. The sale of private property was legalised. Several self-employment enterprises came up. In 2013, restrictions on foreign travel were removed. This period also witnessed improvement in Cuba’s relations with the US under Barack Obama. In 2015, the two countries officially reopened their embassies in each other’s capitals and the next year Obama paid a visit to Cuba. However, Trump began rolling back some of Obama’s initiatives. In November 2017 the Trump administration imposed new travel restrictions on U.S. citizens and forbade them from conducting business with stores, hotels, and other entities linked to the Cuban military and security and intelligence communities. 

The third important phase began with the transfer of power to Diaz-Canel. In June 2018 the formal process of drafting a new constitution began with the consultation with citizens. Contributions from the drafting commission, the government, the National Assembly, and the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) resulted in a first draft that was approved by the National Assembly in July and turned over to the populace for public debate. Nearly 112,000 Cubans participated in discussions of the proposed document. The final draft was approved by 87 percent of those who participated in the constitutional referendum. 

The most notable modification to arise from this process was a rollback of the sanctioning of same-sex marriage. It reaffirmed the single-party state grounded in socialist principles and acknowledged the role of the market and recognised private property, private business, and foreign investment. The new constitution also established term limits for the presidency (two five-year terms) and reinstated the office of the prime minister, appointed by the president and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the government. 

Díaz-Canel was elected as the president in 2018, became the First Secretary of the CPC in 2021, and got a second term in 2023. He focuses on people centric-approach by adopting policies to improve the living conditions of the Cuban people. The ration card system provides basic food supplies at subsidised prices to the entire population. The availability and sustainable management of water, sanitation, education, and health care for all are strategic priorities of Cuba. The education system is 100% subsidised by the government. The universal health coverage guaranteed by the state is part of the protection of life and physical integrity. Its handling of the pandemic was remarkable. Cuba’s non-monetary achievements give it a high ranking in the Human Development Index: in 2021 it was above Brazil, Peru, Columbia, and Mexico. Cuba has enormous potential for developing its Comprehensive National Power.       

Significantly, Article 53 of the Cuban Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the press. Cuba has tolerated social and non-violent protests like religious institutions’ objections to same-sex marriage and the young artists’ demand for more freedom of expression.  Suffrage is universal for Cubans aged 16 years and older. Voting in elections in Cuba is legally mandatory.  Women’s suffrage was instituted as early as 1934, and women have taken on major roles in the political process since the revolution. A sizable minority of women are members of the National Assembly, and some occupy policy-making positions in the government.

Under the constitution, legislative authority rests with the National Assembly of People’s Power, whose more than 600 members serve five-year terms. The number of seats in the assembly has grown steadily, corresponding to the population of the provinces and municipalities. The National Assembly appoints the Council of State, which is headed by the President. Local government also is based on election. Delegates to municipal assemblies are elected to terms of five years by universal suffrage. They, in turn, elect provincial governors upon the proposal of the president to serve five-year terms.      

The political system in Cuba has undergone changes reflecting vibrancy and its increasing citizen-centric approach in recent years. On the whole, the Cuban political system focuses on its people’s welfare, despite a severe economic crisis and restrictions of the US. Cuba’s political system is sound based on socialism and it is making necessary adjustments keeping in view the current requirements. Its political system is evolving along the lines of Vietnam by advancing toward a more consultative style while retaining socialist claims. Cuba’s foreign policy is based on multilateralism and strategic autonomy. There is a hope for improvement of its ties with the US under Biden. India has close relations with Cuba with both supporting the non-alignment movement and the Global South. Despite challenging problems, Cuba provides a strong example of progress, an inspiration for other less developed nations to emulate.