ENCUENTRO 5 - MARCH 22ND
CUBAN CONSTITUTION - LOYET GARCIA February 24, 2019: We see the ratification of a new Cuban constitution as explained by Loyet Garcia: A constitution displays the values, the principles and the role of the people in a country. In some ways, it rules over the lives of the country’s citizens and establishes norms with significant impacts. It is a link between the State, the people and the institutions. The Constitution should be similar to the county they represent (it should reflect the country’s values and realities). Constitutions have to be ratified and adapted to the changing lives and realities of the people it rules over. As Cuba’s constitution no longer represented the Cuban reality, it was ratified in 2019. There was a referendum to pass the Constitution and the turnout was huge. New elements were introduced and many things changed. There was a stronger push for human Rights and democracy. Cuba’s one party system, the Communist Party of Cuba According to Loyet Garcia: “everyone belongs to the same party”. You do not need to be a member of the Communist Party to be a public servant (teacher, politician, etc). You have officers who are elected by people by ballots and officers that are elected by other elected positions. In the Age of Globalization While questioned on the influences behind the new Cuban constitution, Loyet Garcia explained that the Constitution takes some inspiration from the traditions of colonial times. However, he goes on to say that sometimes the reforms are not coherent with the Cuban Revolution’s values. It would seem that this Constitution has to do with Cuba’s need to adapt to Globalization. There was an attempt to change and adapt to the Global scale and to stay connected with the outside. Yet, strong ties with the past remain to keep the Cuban essence. There was also pressure from international institutions (critiques of the one party system). We see a push towards democracy with the rights to participate.
This lively discussion with Loyet Garcia brought me to the following conclusion: constitutions will change and must adapt to the needs of the people. What makes one constitution better than another? What makes one political system better than the other? A constitution’s ability to reflect the values and principles of the citizens it rules over is perhaps the best way to examine this document. In an age of globalization, it seems like international pressure encourages human rights and democratic systems. These changes can be seen reflected in Cuba's new constitution.
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By: Audrey
