First poll in Cuba in 50 years

The Miami Herald has details of how a poll was done in Cuba recently, despite it being illegal to do so. The methodology sounds very impressive- great effort was made for it to be accurate. The 18 surveyors were at considerable risk in conducting the poll.

The results of the poll were fascinating, as the first publication of actual opinion in Cuba. Key findings include:

• Only 19% satisfied with the joys of a socialist economic system, and 79% dissatisfied
• 44% have a positive opinion of Fidel Castro and 50% a negative opinion
• 47% have a positive opinion of Raul Castro and 48% a negative opinion
• 80% have a positive opinion of Barack Obama and 17% a negative opinion
• 32% have a positive opinion of the Cuban Communist Party and 58% a negative opinion
• 64% want to travel abroad and 37% want to open their own business
• 55% would like to live in another country
• 53% say the US is a friend of Cuba and 10% say not a friend

Shows why we should distinguish between the Cuban people, and their Government.