Political Projection
September 1, 2003
The PRC cannot predict how events will unfold in Cuba at the moment of change. We believe that the conduct assumed by the leadership of the dictatorship will be decisive, and that it will bear absolute responsibility should bloodshed occur in its final stage. We address the military apparatus at all levels and urge them not to allow themselves to be implicated in crimes against their own people, not to fire their weapons at them. It is better to resign than to stain their hands with the innocent blood of those who demand freedom, in defense of the dictator and his desire to remain in power. The future free civil society will be tolerant of errors of political conduct, but it must not be tolerant of criminal acts against the people.
What the PRC is clear about are the steps that must be taken. There will be no room for reforms or transitions of power among communists; the history of the world, and of Cuba in particular, has shown that the existing system does not work. Cuba needs profound political, economic, and social transformations, beginning with the elimination of the current power structure and the establishment of a provisional government that could operate under the 1940 Constitution and should be supported by all parties and organizations. Society will then face the difficult task of maintaining the social order necessary to create the indispensable tools for democratic functioning, such as: a new modern constitution in line with current times, which will retain important elements of the 1940 Constitution; the laws by which the judiciary will administer justice; and the electoral law governing the National Electoral Tribunal. When these tools—and others that will be necessary—are ready, the pillars of the rule of law will have been created, and democratic, multiparty elections can be held in Cuba. We believe the provisional government could last 18 months, renewable, or as long as necessary; the necessary calm shown by democratic men and women acting in good faith will maintain the social stability required for that great leap toward individual and social freedom.
The state, represented by the three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial, the latter truly independent of any power—must be characterized by efficiency, justice, and speed. Within democratic and multiparty frameworks, the history of humanity has shown this to be the most decent and ethical way to govern. The PRC advocates its implementation in Cuba, as we consider it the most positive arrangement for our society. We believe the best governor will be: the Constitution—Legal Framework—Civil Society that demands its enforcement. We favor a presidential system of government.
The PRC proposes a constitutional army consistent with the country’s geographic position and characteristics. It must be highly professional, equipped with modern technology and a high level of combat readiness. The same applies to the military air force and navy, in order to defend the national territory—which will be their fundamental objective—fulfill international commitments, combat terrorism and drug trafficking, and defend democracy as a force for peace in the world.
With regard to urban and rural policing, the PRC proposes a modern, highly qualified force capable of performing its duties with efficiency and discipline, where abuses are not permitted and corruption is severely punished. This force should be subordinate to the mayor’s office. Among its fundamental functions must be the protection of citizens and private property, and the enforcement of public order within the community, always acting under the Constitution and established laws.
In terms of foreign policy, the PRC believes that a society based on a market economy must keep its doors open to the world, with respect and solidarity as guiding principles in its relations, contributing alongside international organizations to the solution of the common problems that afflict humanity.
Given our geographic situation, the relationship with the United States must have a special character, especially considering the existence of exiles for 45 years who have achieved significant standing in politics, the economy, culture, education, sports, and other fields in that country, which should be an important political and economic ally for Cuba. Within a framework of absolute respect for this nation, there will be bilateral and international interests of great relevance on which we must work together, and we are confident that success will be achieved for both nations and peoples.
Immigration must have regulations; when managed intelligently, it can contribute to driving development in the country. One need only observe the results achieved by countries that have received immigrants, and we have Cuba’s own historical experience as well. We believe that those born in Cuba should not lose their citizenship for any reason.
As a political organization, the PRC aspires for its candidates to hold positions at different levels as public servants of a democratic, multiparty society based on the rule of law and on a civil society conscious of its power, demanding high efficiency and honesty from its elected officials. We consider corruption in future democratic governments in Cuba to be unacceptable, as the social consequences it brings are extremely traumatic, compounded by the distrust it generates among international financial institutions and foreign investors. Our people have suffered too much deception and corruption under this tyranny and place their dreams of progress in representative democracy, and society itself will not accept this devastating scourge which, in Latin America and other parts of the world, has been a major cause of underdevelopment. Punishment for this evil must be severe in our country.
We will prevail!
Board of Directors.
Republican Party of Cuba.