Miguel Díaz-Canel has made it clear that the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) does not function as an electoral entity, emphasizing its actual role within the nation's governance.
"In Cuba, the Communist Party is not an electoral party. It does not engage in elections. It is a party meant to lead the Revolution, not a party for elections," Díaz-Canel stated in a recent interview with journalist Mónica Bergamo, published by the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo.
This statement highlights a key aspect of Cuba's political system. While the regime asserts that the PCC does not put forth candidates or compete in elections, it still holds the highest authority within Cuba's political framework.
Díaz-Canel used this distinction to counter Bergamo's questions regarding the lack of party pluralism in Cuba.
The Illusion of Electoral Independence
The leader argued that Cuba does not need political parties to propose candidates, as this role is filled by the people, citizens, and social organizations. "Candidates are not proposed by parties; they are proposed by the people, by civil society organizations in Cuba," he claimed.
He aims to portray Cuban elections as independent of the PCC while simultaneously acknowledging that the only party legally positioned at the top of the system is charged with the mission to "lead the Revolution."
This is not the first time Díaz-Canel has made this argument. In September 2018, he also stated, "the Communist Party of Cuba is not an electoral party; it is a party of the Revolution."
A Single Party System Justified by Historical Claims
The regime uses this perspective to assert that the PCC does not formally participate in elections like parties in multi-party democracies do. However, this lack of party competition also means that no alternative political organization can challenge the Communist Party's leadership in Cuba.
Díaz-Canel openly defended the existence of a single party, claiming, "Here, there is only one party, but it seeks to represent all the interests of the Cuban people."
He dismissed the notion that multi-party systems are essential for democracy and urged others not to be "misled" by this idea.
The PCC need not act as an electoral party precisely because no other party is allowed to compete with it for political leadership of the state. Díaz-Canel justified this by citing "historical reasons" and stated that the regime will not permit any organization that represents interests contrary to the Revolution.
"We, for historical reasons, would not accept a party that represents the interests of the United States in Cuba," he said.
However, this explanation does not address why a political alternative organized by Cubans with a different program must necessarily represent Washington.
The Reality of Cuban Democracy
Díaz-Canel maintained that the Cuban system is democratic because lawmakers go through electoral processes and subsequently elect the President of the Republic.
The core issue is not solely whether presidential elections are direct or indirect. The fundamental question is whether citizens have the real opportunity to replace the ruling political group through the ballot box with another project organized by Cubans opposed to the Communist Party.
On this point, Díaz-Canel's explanation was revealing for those questioning the nature of Cuba's political system: the PCC is not there to compete electorally for power but to "lead the Revolution."
Understanding Cuba's Political Structure
What is the primary role of the Communist Party of Cuba?
The primary role of the Communist Party of Cuba is to lead the Revolution, not to participate in electoral processes.
How does the Cuban electoral system function?
In Cuba, candidates are proposed by the people, citizens, and social organizations, rather than political parties, and lawmakers elect the President.
Why does Díaz-Canel reject the idea of multi-party democracy?
Díaz-Canel argues that multi-party systems are not necessary for democracy and claims a single party can represent the interests of all Cuban people.