In Cuba, the polling stations have opened for a rare exercise in democracy. The citizens of the socialist Caribbean state were called upon to vote on a new family law that would allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt, among other things. Among other things, the legislative package also provides for the possibility of surrogacy and legal guardianship for non-biological parents.
Around eight million Cubans aged 16 and over were able to cast their votes in more than 23,000 polling stations. In Cuba, where only the Communist Party is allowed, the people rarely have such an opportunity for participation. Most recently, however, the current constitution, which came into force in 2019, was decided by referendum.
The government promoted the “yes” vote in state media, rallies and posters. Some dissidents who agreed with the contents of the proposed law announced on social media that they would abstain or vote “no” anyway, so as not to allow the government to succeed.