Initial findings from a groundbreaking public opinion survey on Cuba's political and social landscape indicate that 75.1% of respondents advocate for a transition towards a capitalist model with liberal democracy and a market-driven economy.
This survey, released Friday by a coalition of over 20 independent Cuban digital media outlets, will be available on encuestascuba.net until May 1. The data clearly shows an overwhelming inclination for breaking away from the current system, not just a simple majority. A moderate 16.5% support a mixed system blending socialist and capitalist elements.
Support for socialism is nearly negligible: only 1.9% believe in reforming the current model, while a mere 0.1% wish to keep it unchanged. Additionally, 4.5% favor a capitalist model without political pluralism, meaning a strong government without multi-party systems.
Overall, more than 91% of those surveyed—combining those who back market democracy and those who prefer a mixed system—endorse some form of significant structural change.
The discontent with the current government is equally striking. A staggering 92% of participants express profound dissatisfaction—rating a one on a scale of one to five—with Cuba's current governmental system.
When including lower satisfaction levels, 96% express some degree of dissatisfaction, while only 2% show any level of contentment with the status quo.
"The population not only desires a different model but is also deeply discontent with the current system. This paints a very clear picture: there is high social pressure for significant structural changes, not just superficial reforms," the analysis of the partial results states.
The anonymous survey, which includes technical safeguards against duplicate responses, comprises 32 questions across seven sections, covering topics from the respondent's profile to their stance on political figures, the role of Cuban emigration, and the influence of the United States.
The 2026 results confirm and deepen a trend documented by CubaData, an independent pollster operating since 2018, which has surveyed over 10,000 residents on the island. In May 2024, only 3% of Cubans identified as staunch socialists, while 85.9% desired a shift towards a more open model.
This new collective survey represents a qualitative leap in dissemination scale by bringing together more than 20 independent media outlets around a politically neutral instrument, and it will remain active until May 1, 2026.
Key Findings from the Cuban Survey
What percentage of Cubans support a transition to a market economy and democracy?
According to the survey, 75.1% of Cubans support transitioning to a capitalist model with liberal democracy and a market-driven economy.
How many Cubans are satisfied with the current government system?
Only 2% of the respondents expressed any level of satisfaction with the current government system, indicating widespread discontent.
What is the level of support for socialism among Cubans?
Support for socialism is minimal, with only 1.9% in favor of reforming the current model and just 0.1% wanting to retain it unchanged.