The Communist Party in the New Cuba

The Communist Party in the New Cuba / Cubanet, Rafael Alcides
Posted on January 15, 2015

"There is only one option: Fatherland, Revolution, and Socialism"

Cubanet, Rafael Alcides, Havana, 13 January 2015 — Following the
reestablishment of diplomatic relations with the United States, Havana
has become a cauldron of ideas about how we could have elections by
secret and direct ballot – an exciting thing to contemplate. Many here
see it happening right around the corner, maybe within a few years,
three at the most. Others completely deny it. They speak – not in favor,
but they do speak – of the Chinese method as the successor to Raul
Castro socialism.

Would the Communist Party participate in such elections? This is one of
the topics for debate. Some would prefer not to even hear of this.
Others – myself included – believe that it would be impossible to
exclude the Party: because we are democrats, because otherwise the
elections would be invalid, and because, still, the Communist Party
holds the reins of power.

However, upon the new government's establishment, there would be a
movement to seize and recover all of the Party's properties. All. That
means, guest houses, workplaces, office furniture and equipment, yachts,
recreational facilities, means of transportation, bank accounts, etc.
The idea would be to start over, on a level playing field, with the
other political parties in existence then. And if by means of the
Constituent Assembly this recovery could take place prior to the
elections, even better – more democratic.

The consensus appears to be unanimous to prevent the current leaders
from occupying public positions in the new government. Well, now, would
these personages, civilian or military, have the right to run for
office? There is no agreement about this, but based on what I have been
able to detect from conversations on the street, the public for the most
part does not see a reason to oppose this.

There is even talk of a Senator Mariela Castro and a Mayor Eusebio Leal.
I do not doubt that they would win. With the appropriate official
support, of course, Ms. Mariela Castro Espín has done commendable
work—work that in no way diminishes the historical responsibility of her
relatives in creating the tragic UMAPs—and this work has gained her a
place in the social struggles of her country.

For his part, Eusebio Leal – "St. Eusebio," as some call him — has shown
how much can be done, even without plenipotentiary powers, for a city.
Understandably, one hears talk of forgetting the air-kisses which the
Maximum Leader, during his speeches, would covertly or overtly blow to
Leal. That was, they say, the price the saint had to pay – but thanks to
him, they also say – Old Havana exists today. Therefore, generally
speaking, the future "dream" electorate of Havana exists because of
Eusebio. And because of Mariela.

Well, now, what of the non-recycled candidates, i.e. the new blood, the
candidates of the democracy? There lies the great unknown of the moment,
the question without an answer among those who already see themselves
before the ballot boxes, flags flapping away in the city covered in
leaflets and palm leaves. Because they have had no place in the public
life of the country, the dissident leaders are not known by the public.
The government has never mentioned them – not during their almost-daily
detentions, nor upon their releases. Prematurely aged as they enter and
leave the jails, and well-known abroad; but in their own country the
dissidents are no more, at most, than names heard in passing.

But, fine – it is said – the candidates will appear, the important thing
is that elections are around the corner. In the organizing process of
the parties, the fighters of old and the new ones, the ones yet to
appear, will be known. Upon uttering these words the future elector is
seen to sigh and assume an expression of, "Finally! At last! We will
have a President and Congress that emanate from the will of the people."

It is a joy not without its worries. Will free education and hospital
care disappear with a democratic government? Here starts the guessing
once again. Will the house one lives in have to be returned to its
former owner? What about the plot of land granted by the government? As
the Russians did, will the current rulers retain the enterprises created
by the socialist State?

All of this is fodder for discussions on the street corners, but the joy
is so great at even talking about democracy that the conversation veers
again towards elections and the media that will facilitate them: radio,
TV, the printing of leaflets, etc.

Nevertheless, those who had already been planning to leave the country
are still packing their suitcases. And, those who claim to know very
well that what is really coming is the Chinese method, sorrowfully spit
through their fangs. Raúl and his generals are uninterested in hearing
talk about these things, they say. Elections?? And they point to the
recent events concerning the artist, Tania Bruguera.

Ultimately, whether these killjoys are right or not, Hope has come
knocking, and it is impossible not to let her in.

Translated by Alicia Barraqué Ellison

Source: The Communist Party in the New Cuba / Cubanet, Rafael Alcides |
Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/the-communist-party-in-the-new-cuba-cubanet-rafael-alcides/