High expectations and internet cuts in Cuba as Venezuela election results await
Many Cubans are experiencing the Venezuelan elections as if they were not really taking place in the south of the continent, but in the center of the Caribbean. They are convinced of the long hand of change, and that the end of 25 years of Chavismo could be the catalyst for the end of 65 years of Castroism. People have filled their social networks with messages of support and encouragement, they are excited to see María Corina Machado riding a motorcycle through the streets of Caracas, and they wanted to witness the same caravan passing through the heart of Havana.
Although the possibility of elections in Cuba, where the opposition reaches the ballot box with such force, seems almost unthinkable today, what is happening this Sunday in Venezuela has given hope to Cubans who are asking for a change in the system. Prominent faces such as that of singer Yotuel Romero, one of the authors of the song Fatherland and lifehave come out to support the opposition candidacy of Edmundo González Urrutia. “Just as you, María Corina Machado, shine like a light in the midst of darkness, may your determination and faith guide the mission to bring hope and freedom to Venezuela,” the artist wrote on Facebook. The famous Cuban comedian Alexis Valdés publicly expressed his desire for change: “Venezuela, I hope you achieve it. For your people, for Latin America, for the world. My wishes are with you, your future and your freedom.”
From the island, several activists and independent journalists have denounced internet outages since the beginning of the elections. Journalist Yoani Sánchez also assured in her medium: 14ymediothat the illegal satellite dish service that gives access in Cuba to television channels from the United States, Mexico and other countries “has been conveniently suspended.” He also assured that there is a police presence in Havana.
The Cuban government has, as expected, given its full support to its ally Nicolás Maduro. On Sunday, July 28, which coincides with the 70th birthday of Hugo Chávez, the official press and President Miguel Díaz-Canel ignored the concern that many feel at the prospect of a change so close, and once again praised the deceased leader. “Today, on his 70th birthday, #Chávezlives and mobilizes his people, in a new Citizens’ Day of the #Bolivarian Revolution,” said the Cuban ruler in A figure of power beyond Maduro that would suit him. For years, Cuba has exported medical personnel and other professionals and trained members of the South American country’s intelligence services and military. Venezuela, on the other hand, is the source of one of the largest quantities of oil to the island. Since 2011, Cuba has also been connected to the ALBA-1 submarine cable, owned by Telecom Venezuela and the Cuban company Transbit. What could happen if the opposition wins puts Havana's government under control.