On Friday, Amelia Calzadilla shared a message on Facebook expressing her gratitude to those who recognized her as a significant figure in the Cuban opposition, following a groundbreaking public opinion poll that gathered over 41,000 responses.
The survey, initiated on April 24 by a coalition of more than 20 independent Cuban digital media outlets via the site encuestascuba.net, concluded on May 1 with 41,658 responses, 58% of which originated from within Cuba.
Question 15, which was optional, invited participants to name "other opposition figures with favorable performance." The resulting word cloud identified Calzadilla as the most mentioned name, followed by Eliecer Ávila.
"I want to take a moment to thank each person in this community who placed their trust in the anonymity of this survey and from within Cuba chose to fill it out," wrote the activist.
Calzadilla acknowledged the challenges faced by participants on the island: "I am aware of the fear and technological barriers imposed on us to prevent citizen participation and the truth that resides in our minds and homes."
During the survey period, the regime blocked access to the poll from Cuba and published an article on April 28 in Juventud Rebelde entitled "The Survey, AI, and Manipulation" in an attempt to discredit it.
The activist also reflected on the personal impact of the recognition: "I am continually amazed and immensely grateful to all those who included me in the survey as an opposition figure with favorable performance. Your recognition is incredibly rewarding, especially given the level of exposure we endure that compromises our safety and that of our loved ones."
This expression of gratitude comes just days after Calzadilla founded the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party (PLOC) on April 27, a center-right party inspired by Martian ideals and free-market principles, with the slogan "A New Path for Cuba. With Principles. With Freedom. With You."
The founding of the PLOC has sparked a wave of support among Cubans both inside and outside the island, with numerous membership requests on social media.
The overall survey results revealed a massive rejection of the system: 80.1% of participants support transitioning to a capitalist model of liberal democracy, 99% want to eliminate the Communist Party as the sole party, and Miguel Díaz-Canel received an average rating of 1.11 out of five, with 93.7% of respondents giving him the lowest rating.
Calzadilla, who has been exiled in Madrid since November 2023 with her husband and three children, began her activism in June 2022 with a viral video denouncing the gas shortage in Cerro, Havana.
According to her own words about how her struggle began, it was State Security's repression that "pushed" her to become an opposition figure.
Only 4.7% of respondents identify the U.S. embargo as the country's main problem, while 46.6% support it as a pressure mechanism for democratic change.
Key Insights on Cuban Public Opinion and Opposition
What was the purpose of the recent Cuban public opinion poll?
The poll aimed to gather insights into public opinion in Cuba, particularly concerning the country's political system and key opposition figures.
How did Amelia Calzadilla react to being recognized in the survey?
Amelia Calzadilla expressed her gratitude towards those who recognized her as a significant opposition figure, acknowledging the personal and collective challenges faced by participants in Cuba.
What were the notable findings of the survey?
The survey revealed a strong desire for change, with 80.1% supporting a shift to a capitalist democracy and 99% wanting to eliminate the Communist Party's monopoly. It also highlighted widespread disapproval of Miguel Díaz-Canel's leadership.