The Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío once again stirred controversy by asserting that in Cuba, rulers are elected in a manner similar to that of established democracies like the British or Canadian.
During an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan from Zeteo, held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the official attempted to justify the absence of direct presidential elections on the island with an argument that bordered on the absurd:
"Similarly to the British, Canadian, or Australian governments, people do not directly elect the head of government; instead, they vote for members of parliament, and it is the parliament that appoints the political leader of the country."
However, Hasan's response was immediate: in those parliamentary systems, citizens have the opportunity to choose between parties of different ideologies, which is absent in Cuba.
On the island, the journalist recalled, there is only one legal party, the Communist Party, and the candidates aspiring to the National Assembly are pre-screened by the nomination commissions. In other words, there is no competition, no alternatives, and no real freedom of choice.
Fernández de Cossío, however, insisted on the comparison with England, avoiding the acknowledgment that in the United Kingdom voters can choose between Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens, or Scottish Nationalists, while in Cuba citizens face a single ballot with candidates "approved" by the state apparatus.
A contrast with the Cuban reality
The irony of the analogy becomes even more pronounced when examining the internal landscape of the island. While the Deputy Foreign Minister spoke of elections comparable to those in London, Cuba closed August 2025 with 1,185 political and conscience prisoners, according to the latest report from Prisoners Defenders. Among them are minors, women, and hundreds of citizens imprisoned simply for peacefully protesting.
Despite this, Fernández de Cossío denied in the same interview that there are prisoners protesting in Cuba, dismissing the reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. This statement directly contradicts documented allegations of repression, torture, and arbitrary sentences.
An interview of uncomfortable statements
The Deputy Foreign Minister had recently made headlines for other controversial statements during his dialogue with Hasan. First, when he dismissed the possibility of Cuba going to war with the United States in the event of an attack on Venezuela, although he assured “full political support” for Nicolás Maduro. Later, he firmly denied the existence of political prisoners on the island, despite evidence from international organizations.
Now, with his peculiar comparison of the Cuban elections to the British ones, Fernández de Cossío adds a new chapter to the official narrative that seeks to equate a single-party system devoid of political freedoms with democracies where citizens do have real options.
The difference is so evident that it requires little explanation: in London, Ottawa, or Canberra, voters choose between multiple parties and can hold a government accountable at the polls. In Havana, Cubans remain trapped in a system where the only choice is between the approved candidate or silence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elections in Cuba and the Current Political Situation
Are the elections in Cuba comparable to those in England?
No, elections in Cuba are not comparable to those in England. In England, citizens vote for different parties, which allows for competition and real alternatives. In Cuba, there is only the Communist Party and candidates are filtered by state commissions, which restricts freedom of choice.
Are there political prisoners in Cuba?
Yes, there are political prisoners in Cuba. According to Prisoners Defenders, there are 1,185 political and conscience prisoners on the island, including minors and women imprisoned for peacefully protesting. However, the Cuban government denies the existence of these prisoners, labeling the reports from international organizations as unfounded.
Is Cuba facing an economic crisis due to the U.S. embargo?
The Cuban regime attributes the economic crisis to the U.S. embargo. However, many critics point out that the lack of structural reforms and ineffective economic policies also significantly contribute to the critical situation facing the country, marked by inflation, shortages, and precarious public services.
How does the Cuban government justify the repression against opposition members?
The Cuban government justifies repression by claiming that opponents commit crimes. According to the regime, opponents are funded by the United States government to carry out vandalistic and terrorist acts. However, international organizations report that these justifications are used to silence political dissent.
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