Democracy is an ideal environment that provides an opportunity for the society to strive socially, economically and politically. This is an indication that for a country to develop, it must uphold democracy that embodies the needs of its people. Cuba is one of the countries struggling to establish itself as a democratic nation. Thus, the history of Cuba is explored, while at the same time reviewing the barriers in developing their democracy that includes but not limited to, adopting a new constitution. Lastly, the paper recommends implementing a representative democracy, as one of the most effective ways of developing its democracy levels.
Cuba’s History
Cuba’s political history has been marred with complexities that stem from the fascists’ regime it has had since gaining its independence. After its leadership was handed back by the United States, Cuba was led by the leaders who spearheaded the war for independence. This was despite holding elections, which allowed the war veterans to lead at the expense of other able individuals. Despite the existence of groups such as the Mambi that staged protests against the fascist’s regimes in the early 1900s, they failed to bear fruits as a result of ineffective mechanisms they used. The continuous political divisions and corruption inspired many elites like Fidel Castro to stand against the era that could be best described as dictatorial. This is because it never provided an equal opportunity of political participation for the Cubans.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The early 1950s marked a significant journey in the history of Cuba. Then a young lawyer, Fidel Castro developed interest in occupying the leadership of Cuba. Before ascending to power, the transition of the leadership resulted in government overthrowing attempts which left many people dead. The successful attempt saw Fidel Castro take the Cuban leadership from the then-president Batista (Crane, 2014). The reign of Fidel Castro saw the introduction of more strict policies despite Cubans hoping for relief under the new era. He introduced a single-party system, which was referred to as a Communist Party of Cuba, and shattered the hopes of multi-parties to challenge the ruling party. Democracy under the leadership of Fidel deteriorated, and as a result, the presidency became a family affair of the Castro’s. Until the resignation of Fidel Castro when he handed over power to his brother Raul Castro, Cuba has been led with only two presidents that are related.
Barriers in Developing Cuban Democracy
The most common barrier towards developing Cuban democracy lies in the constitution. This is because, since its independence, Cuba has never had a constitution that promotes inclusivity as a result of democracy. This is an indication that to attain effective democracy, Cuba has to revisit its system of government through a probable avenue like the constitution. According to Semple, the new constitution will facilitate advantages such as recognizing private property among other privileges (Semple, 2018). Adopting a new constitution will pave way for two significant advantages. Firstly, a constitution that provides an opportunity for people to decide the kind of leadership they want is ideal. This is because, people at their own will, will be able to elect leaders based on their records of upholding democracy, rather than imposition that has happened since the ascending of Fidel Castro to power.
Secondly, the barrier to a single party denying the opportunity for multiparty to dominate is also another setback towards achieving democracy. This is a sign that to effectively promote an environment that supports positive criticism of the government, small parties should exist. Adopting a new constitution that will allow inclusivity through multi-parties will be significant in ensuring that just like other advanced democratic nations; Cuba too develops its democracy.
Representative Democracy for Cuba
The problem facing Cuba’s democracy is due to the limited power of people to decide the kind of leadership they want. This is a democratic problem that can be solved by encouraging representative democracy. Ikenberry et al. contend that countries with stable democracies experience peace and prosperity as compared to undemocratic countries (Ikenberry et al. 2005). This is a kind of democracy where the people have the absolute power to choose and participate in the leadership of the day. Considering that Cuba has since then been ruled by a single party, denying the general public the opportunity to choose their ideal leaders, representative democracy permit way for new representation chapter. Representative democracy facilitates an opportunity for the government to be responsible while at the same time allowing the people who are the sole reasons for its existence to scrutinize its performance. This type of democracy has been apparent in most developed countries, avoiding violence and abuse of democracy by the government in power.
Conclusion
Summarily, Cuba has an opportunity to match the most advanced democratic countries in the world. This is provided through effective avenues offered by adopting a new constitution. A new constitution that comprises of democracy as its core aspects will influence the growth of democracy nationwide. This will in return give the Cuban people an equal opportunity to elect and scrutinize its government. Considering that the Cuban government has been led as a socialist state all along, a new constitution will mark a new dawn for democracy. By adopting a new constitution that embodies the citizens as part of the government, representative democracy will be effective. This is due to the reason that, representative democracy creates room for every individual to participate in the democratic process, as opposed to the existing channels of Cuban democracy.
References
Crane, L., R. (2014). Cuba revisited: from revolution to evolution. Seattle Journal for Social Justice, 12 (3), 873-912.
Ikenberry, J., G., Siegle, J., Halperin, H., M., Weinstein, M. M. (2005). The democracy advantage: how democracies promote prosperity and peace. Council on Foreign Relations, 84(2), 57-71. DOI: 10.2307/20034287.
Semple, K., (2018 July 22). New Cuban constitution, recognizing private property, approved by lawmakers. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/22/world/americas/cuba-constitution.html.
