Who Would You Choose as President? Civil Society Envisions Cuba's Democratic Future

In recent days, representatives of Cuba's civil society have brought to the forefront a topic that underscores the political maturity beginning to surface among the various actors opposing the totalitarian regime and demanding a transition to democracy in the country.

Focused on exposing human rights violations, the lack of freedoms, and the repression exerted by the dictatorship, the voices of opponents, activists, independent journalists, and other civil society actors have postponed the necessary social dialogue to pave the way for the much-needed change that the Cuban society overwhelmingly demands.

Crushed brutally was the opportunity presented by the Varela Project, spearheaded by Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, the leader of the Christian Liberation Movement. Payá, who died alongside Harold Cepero Escalante under mysterious circumstances, saw his initiative silenced through brutal repression and censorship. Other initiatives like Estado de SATS, CubaDecide, or Cuba Siglo XXI met similar fates, leaving Cuba's civil society devoid of a comprehensive debate on "visions of the country" that could unify and channel diverse perspectives into actionable pathways.

This void is exacerbated by the regime's counterintelligence efforts, which allocate substantial resources to pursue, imprison, and dismantle any source of innovative and revolutionary ideas within society. The paralyzing effect of State Security is evident among Cubans, whether through violent methods or by sowing division and confusion within civil society actors, often using pseudo-change projects and "loyal opposition."

However, inspired by the winds of change in Venezuela and the hope instilled by Venezuelans' struggle to reclaim democracy and the rule of law, many Cubans recognize the need to move beyond merely denouncing the dictatorship. They aim to unite the diverse voices of Cubans on the island and in exile to create a critical social mass that can force the regime's lock and open Cuba to change after the exhaustion of a "revolutionary project" that has imposed a violent and totalitarian communist model for over 65 years, destroying civic life, wealth, and freedom.

Although still far from the political organization level of Venezuelans or their freedoms of expression and press, Cuban civil society actors are beginning to contemplate that "day after" when the dictatorship loses its internal and external support and falls.

Shaping the Transition

How is a transition process shaped? What conditions need to be met, and how are they achieved? What roles do activists, unions, independent media, organizations, and opposition leaders play in this process? These are not simple questions, but civil society is paving the way in debates that increasingly capture attention on social media, publications, in exile, and even in queues, the forums of the common people.

"A few weeks ago, Edmundo Dantés Junior, a prominent influencer, published a survey inviting people to propose presidential candidates for the Cuba we dream of," said Cuban activist Javier Bobadilla on Facebook, reflecting on the question posed by the popular social media profile.

Specifically, Edmundo Dantés Junior asked, "Who would you like to be the president of Cuba when the current regime falls?" His analysis of the responses sheds light on the expectations shaping the social discourse in contemporary Cuba and offers a glimpse into the core ideas circulating openly and covertly within civil society yearning for change.

What conclusions can be drawn from the activist's survey?

"Analyzing the characteristics of the chosen (serious) candidates, there is a search for someone intelligent, with a sense of humor, good oratory skills. Someone who can write and explain. Someone who listens and is consistent. Brave, unafraid to speak the truth and stand by their beliefs regardless of the consequences. Someone between 30 and 60 years old, grounded, with a sense of justice and equal rights. Someone who believes in democracy and the thinking individual who decides for themselves. Someone with a sense of justice," pointed out Edmundo Dantés Junior.

He also observed that "almost everyone chose people they admire. Not necessarily politicians or individuals who want to be or would be good at it. But that's fine; admiration is important. Respecting who leads us is crucial."

"When the time comes, there are many plans for the transition, projects, and many people behind them. I still think these projects need to find a way to be known by the entire population in a manner that the population understands, not just exist. There are many dignified Cubans, many with numerous ideas. When the time comes, I hope we are less traumatized and know that we have the right to vote/elect our president because we, the people, will live that reality and its consequences," he added.

As Bobadilla highlighted, the resulting list from the survey was led by intellectual, activist, and academic Alina Bárbara López Hernández and priest Alberto Reyes, two figures known for their theoretical solidity, powerful oratory, and moral integrity. But other names from civil society also emerged, sprinkled with humor and sarcasm in the survey.

"Were you asked about the Day After? The day you are free. What will you do? The day after is when freedom overwhelms you… It's called Learned Helplessness. It's the behavior resulting from chronic depression and the denial of control over your own life. Have you seen people living in suspended animation, waiting to leave the country? Nothing will change? Clear symptoms of learned helplessness. You've spent your entire life in an abusive psychological relationship with a narcissist. They taught you that you were worthless, and you believed it, and now it's part of you. That also needs to be eradicated from the root," Bobadilla reflected.

Inviting active participation in that debate, the activist recognized that "in that list, there are people I would vote for in a presidential election because they have earned my trust. Moreover, there is diversity in that list, from social democracy to conservative right."

"It's time we take this seriously. I'll tell you even more. In that list, there are people willing to take on the responsibility and carry a country. I saw the list, and I will take it seriously because I saw Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers. With capital letters," he proposed.

"Would I be President? Yes, damn it, if even an idiot like Maduro is president. Would Alina be President? Yes, better than me. Would Father Alberto be President? Will a President alone make a nation? No. We will build the nation around the President. That's how it will work. Believe it, because it's about time," he concluded.