Cuba National Elections Held Amid Criticism of Limited Opposition and Repression of Dissent
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Cuba's 10th national election took place on Sunday, resulting in the selection of 470 deputies for the National Assembly of People's Power, who will be responsible for nominating the next head of state.
The Cuban electoral process has long been criticized for its lack of opposition access to power. This year's election followed suit, with 470 candidates running unopposed for 470 seats in the legislature. Voters were left to endorse a pre-selected group of candidates, all approved by Communist Party officials.
In response to dissent, the Cuban government has employed tactics of repression and violence, targeting activists and opposition figures. In addition, Decree-Law 35, a newly passed penal code, criminalizes those who jeopardize the state's functioning or criticize the government online. This decree obligates telecommunications providers to cut, suspend, or terminate services when users share information deemed "fake" or harmful to "public morality" and "respect of public order."
A "Cybersecurity" resolution accompanies Decree-Law 35, redefining protected speech as "incidents of cybersecurity." Instead of focusing on protecting the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of information and infrastructure from cyberattacks, the Cuban legislation treats online content as a potential security threat. This includes "spreading fake news," "slander that impacts the country's prestige," "inciting protests," "promoting social indiscipline," and "undermining someone's fame or self-esteem."
Since 2018, violence against civilians has escalated, with state forces as the main perpetrator. Opposition groups advocating for change and reforms have also been frequently targeted, resulting in ongoing repression leading up to the elections. This sustained crackdown on opposition voices has intensified over the years, marked by popular protests in 2021 and mobilization against power blackouts in 2022.
Concerns over lower voter turnout, fueled by unaddressed grievances and repression, further threaten the legitimacy of Cuba's next government. However, Cuban officials reported that allegedly over 70% of voters had cast their ballots by late Sunday afternoon.