Daily Life: Pursuing the necessary consensus

The ongoing Constitutional Reform carried out by the Cuban people these days has brought up an endless number of criteria about the current situation of the country. The proposal of a new structure of the State, the recognition of different forms of properties, the age limit for the presidency, the controversial article 68 on same-sex marriage, the rights and duties of citizens, and even the likely animal protection act are some of the most discussed subjects so far.

Few things left unsaid. Even a sui generis issue such as euthanasia has been requested by several people to be added in the Magna Carta. But everything converges in the idea of harmonizing the reality of the nation with its legal standards.

Much have been said on the need to have a new Constitution. Barring the two previous reforms made in 1992 and 2002, the present domestic life demands with absolute justice a new, fundamental Republic Act.

And now, this document cannot gather in a comprehensive way everything we like. As a legal expert confirmed, after the referendum and approval of the Constitution, we need to update with certain degree of urgency a legislative agenda to support new Electoral, Criminal Procedures, National Symbols, and Family Code Acts.

A quick review to what has been published in the media shows us that workers, students, and general population have widely discussed issues such as citizenship, the responsibility of children in the caring of their parents, concentrated assets (people demand to add the concept of wealth). Regarding popular bodies, the terms “Provincial Governor” and “Municipality Mayor” have generated public interest.

With better or worse meetings; wise, accurate criteria or not, the truth is that the Constitutional Reform — the process started on August 13^th (symbolic date for Cubans) and should end on November 15^th— is resulting in a profound and rich process of people’s participation. Citizens are laying the necessary foundations to continue to build the nation.

No voice has been silenced. Every opinion is listened to and included in the report. Everyone can openly air his/her thoughts in the workplace, school, or community. This is very positive if we aimed at meeting the necessary consensus.

This is the first step. Afterwards, a final report collecting all the opinions will be drafted and delivered to the Commission responsible for the Constitutional Reform. Later, such document will be subjected to discussion in the National Assembly of the People’s Power and finally, if approved, the final text will be called for a referendum next year.

Bottom line is that citizens will have the final call, as President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said in an interview granted to journalist Patricia Villegas and aired by TeleSur.

The people’s voice in Cuba is paramount and that is an unequivocal truth.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / CubaSi Translation Staff