The Cuban Democratic Front, also known as D Frente, has unveiled a strategic document entitled "From Citizenship, the Republic is Born." This document calls for a civic mobilization advocating for the swift implementation of a Provisional Electoral Law in Cuba, aiming at the electoral processes scheduled for 2027-2028.
This initiative is designed to restore the country's governance to its citizens and start addressing the deep national crisis seriously. The message targets both the Cuban populace within the island and the national community abroad.
Within the document, D Frente reaffirms its "irrevocable commitment" to return political power to the free and diverse exercise of citizenship. The organization emphasizes the importance of moving towards a new social contract founded on the principles of a state governed by law, encompassing democracy, social and political inclusion, civic culture, economic development, general welfare, and support for disadvantaged individuals.
They argue that Cuba requires a "new and clean" foundation of legitimacy, emerging solely from the sovereign will of its citizens. Thus, D Frente stresses the urgency of a Provisional Electoral Law, envisioned as an exceptional measure—potentially for single use—that would permit genuine access for a diverse citizenry to public institutions of representation and governance, even in the absence of fully democratic rules and institutions.
Under this law, those elected would bear the responsibility of establishing such democratic institutions.
Additionally, the Cuban Democratic Concertation announces its intention to ask potential candidates in this prospective electoral process to commit to a minimum government agenda, which includes:
- Releasing all political prisoners.
- Establishing a new provisional constitutional framework to guide the country towards an original constituent process.
- Facilitating political relaxation and endorsing a reciprocal, comprehensive amnesty, excluding those who have committed crimes from any side of the conflict.
- Ensuring Human Rights, liberating the exercise of expression, access to information and press, mobility, assembly, demonstration, and association, including political rights.
- Implementing modern business and commercial legislation to build an effective economic model and facilitate Cuba's access to finance, technology, and markets.
- Enacting laws of immediate necessity and making effective efforts for the development of infrastructure, economy, employment, education, health, social security, housing, and general welfare.
- Approving a law regulating the constituent process, the election, and the inauguration of the Constituent Assembly.
- Approving a constitutional transition law to institutionalize the new Constitution and conduct general elections with full guarantees.
Consequently, D Frente proposes to the Cuban people and state the enactment of this Provisional Electoral Law. To support this proposal, the organization offers the document "For a Norm to Elect and Appoint State Authorities. Electoral Law Proposal," crafted by the Cuba Próxima Center for the Study of the Rule of Law, a think tank within the Concertation.
This document aims to organize an electoral system that provides the legal basis for initiating a democratic transition process, with political pluralism and electoral competition, anticipating the potential realization of the first free elections.
D Frente has also announced that, due to the initiative's significance, it will invite Cuban citizens, both on the island and in the diaspora, to endorse the proposal through a process that will be announced soon.
"We have a profound belief that Cuba can once again belong to all: free, fair, prosperous, democratic, and united. This is the moment to pave the way for transformation with calm, confidence, and hope. There is no higher destiny than to rebuild together the nation we dream of and deserve," the statement concludes.
Understanding D Frente
The Democratic Concertation D Frente brings together five independent Cuban civil society organizations focused on peacefully promoting a change in the political system in Cuba. These groups include the Cuba Próxima Center for the Study of the Rule of Law, the Association France for Democracy in Cuba, the Cuban Women's Network, the Association Roots of Hope from Spain, and Casa Nación, which unites Cubans on the island, in Spain, and other parts of the world.
The Concertation was established in September 2022 as a coalition of diverse Cuban civil and political actors, aiming to push for the republic's reestablishment and seek solutions to the country's economic, political, and social issues. Their statements highlight the growing poverty, exclusion, violence, and despair in Cuban society as urgent factors necessitating civic and political actions.
In November of that year, they sent a message to the Cuban people, explaining that all citizens are included in their democratic project.
FAQ on Cuba's Electoral Reform Proposal
What is the main goal of the Provisional Electoral Law proposed by D Frente?
The primary aim of the Provisional Electoral Law is to open genuine access for a diverse citizenry to public institutions of representation and governance, paving the way for a democratic transition even in the absence of fully democratic rules and institutions.
Who are the key organizations involved in the Democratic Concertation D Frente?
The Democratic Concertation D Frente consists of five independent civil society organizations: the Cuba Próxima Center for the Study of the Rule of Law, the Association France for Democracy in Cuba, the Cuban Women's Network, the Association Roots of Hope from Spain, and Casa Nación.
What are some of the key points in the proposed minimum government agenda?
The minimum government agenda includes releasing political prisoners, establishing a provisional constitutional framework, ensuring Human Rights, and implementing modern business legislation, among other crucial reforms.