EDITORIAL: Defending Democracy from Scratch

It’s the citizens, and not a political force, who nominate the candidates for delegates to the Municipal Assemblies of People's Power in Cuba. The nominees live in the communities for which they could be elected, share the challenges, achievements and problems of their fellow citizens. They know the neighborhoods; they are aware of the demands of their constituents.

The current process of nominating candidates, with a view to the next elections, should not be assumed as one more formality. The delegate is at the very base of a model that is committed to participatory democracy. The people’s power is its essential approach.

It would be irresponsible to say that delegates do not face daily obstacles, misunderstandings, and prejudices. Much more so now, a time when the rigors of the crisis, the shortages and dissatisfactions, impact all sectors of society.

The challenge is now greater, and is associated with the functionality of local governments. The increase in spaces of autonomy in the municipalities implies a greater articulation of the institutional framework of each region, communication, dialogue and debate schemes with citizens, so that they can be involved in shaping public policies and agendas.

The constituency delegate plays a key role in this regard. He is not the representative of the institutions before voters. He is the representative of voters before institutions. Effective counterpart, manager, authority in the locality.

Therefore, it’s necessary to nominate and elect the best, the most capable, the most committed. And no one who doesn’t live in the neighborhood to come and impose his criteria. It’s everyone’s right. And a right implies a responsibility.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff