(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Cuba believe a democratically-elected government is required to address the island’s most pressing issues, according to a poll by the International Republican Institute. 53.8 per cent of respondents think an administration elected by the people would be more adequate than the current government in dealing with national problems over the next few years, while 42.6 per cent disagree.

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. Earlier this month, Castro announced the abolition of the equal-pay system, saying that salaries will be linked to productivity from now on. Carlos Mateu, vice-minister for labour, said the current system—which has been in place since the 1959 revolution—is no longer "convenient".

Polling Data

Do you think a democratic government—elected by the people in free elections—would be more adequate than the current government to solve the country’s problems over the next few years?

Source: International Republican Institute
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 587 Cuban adults, conducted from Mar. 14 to Apr. 12, 2008. Margin of error is 4 per cent.

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