Independent Cuban journalist Monica Baro took to Instagram to reveal the early findings of a collective survey initiated by over 20 independent Cuban digital outlets. The survey, which remains open until May 1, drew nearly 22,000 participants within the first 48 hours.
Led by El Toque and supported by platforms such as CiberCuba, Rialta, Alas Tensas, 14yMedio, Café Fuerte, and Árbol Invertido, the survey features 32 questions across seven sections. It targets both Cubans residing on the island and those in the diaspora.
In her initial video, Baro shared that nearly 10,900 individuals participated within the first 24 hours, with 6,350 responses coming from within Cuba and 4,530 from abroad.
By the 48-hour mark, participation had surged to almost 22,000, with 12,711 responses from inside Cuba and 9,191 from outside, as reported in Baro's subsequent video.
Widespread Discontent with the Political System
The data indicates overwhelming dissatisfaction with the political system, as 94% of respondents expressed deep discontent, and 95% deemed a political overhaul urgently necessary.
Regarding Cuba's main issues, 82.5% cited the lack of civil and political freedoms as the top concern. Government inefficiency and stagnation followed at 75.4%, with the economic crisis and basic goods shortages, and institutional corruption at 47.3%.
Perspectives on the Embargo and Political Change
The survey's findings on the embargo are particularly telling: only 5.3% of participants identified it as the primary problem, whereas 47.5% believe it should remain as leverage to push for democratic reforms.
When asked about the preferred approach to resolving the political conflict, 64.6% supported overthrowing the current government by any means necessary, including armed action, compared to 22.8% favoring dialogue and negotiated transition.
Just 2.1% supported gradual reform from within the government itself.
Views on the Communist Party and System Reforms
A staggering 99% of respondents agreed that the single-party communist system should be dismantled. Approval ratings for regime figures averaged a low 1.1 out of five, whereas opposition figures received a 3.3 average rating.
Despite the widespread rejection of the system, respondents expressed more nuanced views on certain issues: 73% wished to keep the universal health and education systems, 69% valued sovereignty and independence from foreign powers, and 59% supported subsidies for social, cultural, and sports programs.
The regime attempted to block access to the survey as soon as it launched, but participants within Cuba continued to respond using VPNs.
State-affiliated media outlet Razones de Cuba criticized the survey, dismissing it as a "statistical fraud" lacking scientific validity.
Baro countered these claims assertively: "This survey has been blocked in Cuba because the regime is uninterested in public opinion. They thrive on deception, claiming popular support, and this survey undermines their falsehoods."
The survey will remain accessible until May 1, with real-time updates available through an interactive panel categorized by province, age, education level, and political views.
Insights from the Cuban Media Survey
What was the main concern among survey respondents in Cuba?
The primary concern was the lack of civil and political freedoms, cited by 82.5% of respondents.
How did respondents view the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
Only 5.3% saw the embargo as a primary issue, while 47.5% believed it should be retained to pressure for democratic changes.
What percentage of respondents supported the overthrow of the current government?
A significant 64.6% endorsed overthrowing the government by any necessary means, including armed intervention.