Topic: 2025-Preserving Free and Fair Elections
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Ayush Garg
As a one-party state led by the Communist Party of Cuba, we believe that fair elections should be protected, however, we acknowledge the presence of election corruption and fraud in Cuba. We use a system that grants the government full control over the elections. The government emphasizes the legitimacy of its electoral process, with official statements often highlighting the integrity of the system, particularly the idea that elections reflect the will of the people and serve to preserve the country’s socialist principles.
Historically speaking Cuba doesn’t have the cleanest record regarding non-corrupt governments. Currently, Cuba ranks 82nd out of the 180 countries following the Corruption Perceptions Index. This rank isn’t particularly good but looking at the graph the government of Cuba has gained ground in becoming a less corrupt state. In 2012 Cuba scored 48 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2024 Cuba scored 41 on the Corruption Perceptions Index. This shows that the one-party system creates fewer ways for corruption to act. Currently, Cuba is higher than most other countries in Central and South America. There is a lot of tension from international organizations and opposition groups that suggest the Cuban electoral system lacks transparency, fairness, and freedom, as it does not allow for multi-party elections. As the delegate from Cuba, we disagree with this as we still allow electoral freedom and do not oppress the voter. We instead give control over the process to the government to track and monitor the status and validity of the election. By keeping the Communist Party of Cuba in power, we see fair voting that will help calm civil distress and create a more equal future in which corruption is avoided.
After the end of the 1900 Cuba saw a major change in their government as Fidel Castro’s work came to a close. Now this is seen with lower corruption rates. Fidel Castro’s lasting impact is the one-party state that has a firm grasp on the country. This works in our favor as it allows control over corruption and crime in Cuba. There are many countries who wish to do so as they do not approve of our sovereignty. Government officials handle accusations of corruption as efforts to destabilize the country.
Sources:
https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/cuba
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/cuba/
https://www.u4.no/publications/cuba-overview-of-corruption-and-anti-corruption/fullversion
https://crd.org/2023/03/24/cubans-are-allowed-to-vote-but-not-to-choose/
