El marc polític de Cuba

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Miguel Diaz-Canel (since April 19th, 2018)
Prime minister: Manuel Marrero Cruz (since December 21st, 2019)

Next Election Dates

Legislative: March 2028

Main Political Parties

The Cuban Constitution recognises only one legal political party: the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), whose First Secretary has been Miguel Díaz-Canel since April 2021. While other political parties exist in the country, they are not legally recognised and are therefore unable to participate in the formal political process. Many of these unrecognised groups reportedly receive financial and logistical support from organisations based in Miami, some of which are linked to anti-Communist movements and U.S. government agencies. Under Cuban law, it is illegal for political organisations to receive funding from foreign governments.

Executive Power

In Cuba, the President is the head of state and is indirectly elected by the National Assembly of People's Power for a five-year term, renewable once. The President also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and holds significant executive authority. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly, is the head of government and chairs the Council of Ministers, overseeing the daily administration of the country. Although these positions carry formal executive roles, the most powerful position in Cuba is the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), which is constitutionally defined as the leading force in society and the state. The First Secretary holds de facto control over national policy and governance.

Legislative Power

Legislative power in Cuba is vested in a unicameral body, the National Assembly of People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular). Its members are directly elected by absolute majority vote for five-year terms. Although candidates run without formal party affiliation, the vast majority are members of the ruling Communist Party or are closely aligned with it. Until 2023, the Assembly had 605 members, but following a constitutional reform and subsequent legislation passed in 2019, this number was reduced to 470. The National Assembly is responsible for selecting the Council of State—comprising a president, a first vice president, five vice presidents, a secretary, and 27 additional members. It also has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws and to amend the Constitution when necessary.