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The opponent José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), launched a proposal on Monday to organize a census of Cubans supportive of democratization and call for internal elections to establish a unified leadership within the opposition.
In a post on his Facebook account, Ferrer compared the situation in Cuba to that of Venezuela, noting that the progress towards the downfall of Nicolás Maduro's regime has largely been made possible by the unity of the Venezuelan opposition around the leadership of María Corina Machado and the electoral victory of Edmundo González.
In his view, Cuba faces a "critical" situation where the elderly, children, and many citizens are dying due to the health crisis, shortages, and widespread collapse, while the regime of the Castros and Miguel Díaz-Canel "insists on prolonging the suffering of the people."
Ferrer warns that a sector of the Cuban opposition holds rigid positions and refuses to collaborate unless it leads the initiatives, which, according to him, hinders the development of a national strategy.
His call undoubtedly comes at a crucial time, following his recent exile by the Cuban regime and his increasing political activity in the United States.
Ferrer arrived in Miami on October 13, accompanied by his family, after being forced to leave Cuba following years of persecution, imprisonment, and harassment. Since his arrival, he has developed an extensive public agenda, which included meetings with activists, exile organizations, journalists, and a meeting in Washington with Senator Marco Rubio, one of the main advocates for the Cuban cause in the U.S. Congress.
A census and elections to choose a unified leadership
In light of this situation, the leader of UNPACU proposes to urgently organize a census of Cubans committed to democratization, whether inside or outside the island, in order to hold democratic elections that will define a Unified Opposition Leadership.
This structure, he states, must be solid, functional, and transparent, with leadership elected from the grassroots and clearly defined positions, including: President or General Coordinator, Coordinator of Non-Violent Actions within Cuba, Representative of International Relations, Treasurer, Coordinator of Humanitarian Actions, and Responsible for the care of political prisoners and their families, among others.
Ferrer proposes that this platform have clear foundations and regulations, inspired by the Cuban Revolutionary Party of José Martí, and figures from the exile such as Jorge Más Canosa.
"The homeland is an altar, not a pedestal," he quoted.
"It's time for unity": a political ultimatum
The opponent insisted that the moment does not allow for delays: "Let’s convene, let’s call each other, let’s talk, let’s come to an agreement, but now. Later may be too late,” he wrote.
Their proposal aims to urge that, following the imminent liberation of Venezuela —according to their analysis— the international democratic community focus its efforts on Cuba, and that the opposition arrives at that moment with a strong, coordinated, and legitimate structure.
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