Cuba's Government: A Single-Party Socialist Republic

Political Structure

Cuba is a unitary socialist republic governed by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the only legal political party. The system is defined by the 2019 Constitution (replacing the 1976 charter).

Key Institutions

• President of the Republic: Head of state and government; also First Secretary of the PCC. Elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (max two terms). Current: Miguel Díaz-Canel (since 2018).
• National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP): Unicameral legislature, 470 deputies (since 2023 reduction from 605), elected every 5 years from PCC-approved slates. Meets twice yearly; Council of State acts between sessions.
• Council of Ministers: Executive cabinet headed by the Prime Minister (currently Manuel Marrero Cruz), appointed by the Assembly on President's proposal.
• Judiciary: Supreme People's Court, provincial/municipal courts; lay assessors sit with professional judges. Constitution subordinates courts to the ANPP and PCC.

Electoral Process

• Candidates nominated at municipal assemblies; PCC vets all nominees.
• No opposition parties permitted; dissent channeled through mass organizations (CTC unions, FMC women, CDR neighborhood committees).
• Voter turnout historically >90%; ballots allow "select all" or individual votes.

Ideological Foundation

Marxism-Leninism adapted to Cuban conditions (José Martí's nationalism, Guevara's moral incentives). Emphasis on sovereignty, equity, universal health/education, and resistance to U.S. hegemony.