More Cubans Urge for Change in Politics, Economy

More Cubans Urge for Change in Politics, Economy
December 01, 2009

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The number of Cubans calling for an
overhaul of the country's political system has increased, according to a
poll by the International Republican Institute. If given the chance,
75.2 per cent of respondents would vote to change the current system
into a democracy, up 12 points since November 2008.

In addition, 85.6 per cent of respondents would support an economic
system including freedoms such as being able to buy and sell property.

Fidel Castro became the de facto leader of Cuba in 1959, following the
conclusion of the revolution he led to overthrow Fulgencio Batista. In
1962, the United States imposed a trade embargo against Cuba.

In July 2006, the Cuban government announced a "provisional transfer of
duties" to vice-president Raúl Castro, Fidel's brother, after the
president suffered "an acute intestinal crisis, with sustained bleeding"
which required immediate medical intervention.

In February 2008, Fidel Castro announced that he would not accept a
nomination to seek a new term as head of state. His brother remains
Cuba's political leader.

Raúl Castro has introduced several reforms since taking office, which
have been regarded by some as the beginning of more profound changes,
and deemed merely cosmetic by others.

On Nov. 19, U.S. president Barack Obama answered a set of questions
submitted by Yoani Sánchez—the renowned Cuban blogger of "Generación
Y"—saying that he is against lifting the embargo but wants to have a
direct talk with Raúl Castro about it. The American president added: "I
applaud these collective efforts to empower your compatriots to express
themselves through technology. The U.S. government and the people are
with you in anticipation of the day when all Cubans will be able to
express themselves freely and publicly without fear."

Polling Data

If you were given the opportunity to vote to change from the current
political system to a democratic system—with multi-party elections,
freedom of speech and freedom of expression—would you vote in favour of,
or against, that change?

Aug. 2009 Nov. 2008

In favor 75.2% 63%

Opposed 5.8% 32.4%

No answer 19% 4.6%

If you were given the opportunity to vote to change from the current
economic system to a market economy system—with economic freedoms,
including opportunities for Cubans to own property and run
businesses—would you vote in favour of, or against, that change?

Aug. 2009 Nov. 2008

In favor 85.6% 86.3%

Opposed 3% 12.5%

No answer 19% 4.6%

Source: International Republican Institute
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 432 Cuban adults, conducted
from Jul. 4 to Aug. 7, 2009. Margin of error is 5 per cent.

More Cubans Urge for Change in Politics, Economy: Angus Reid Global
Monitor (1 December 2009)
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/34601/more_cubans_urge_for_change_in_politics_economy