Cuban Exiles Back 1940 Constitution as Alternative to Castro-Era Political System: 'Last Freely and Democratically Approved'

Leaders of the Cuban exile community, business figures and civic representatives gathered Monday in Miami to defend Cuba's 1940 Constitution as the legal and historical foundation for a potential democratic transition on the island, arguing that any future political change should avoid preserving elements of the system established after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959.

The meeting, held at the Cuban Diaspora Museum, came amid renewed pressure from the Trump administration on Havana and broader debates within the exile community over how a future transition could unfold.

Participants described the 1940 Constitution as "the last constitution freely and democratically approved by the Cuban people" and said it offers a legitimate framework for rebuilding state institutions, as 14 y Medio reports.

Speakers highlighted provisions in the constitution related to civil liberties and constitutional guarantees, particularly articles contained in Title IV, which supporters compared to the U.S. Bill of Rights. Organizers argued that restoring those principles could provide the basis for representative institutions and democratic governance.

Among those attending were Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Cuban Diaspora Museum president Marcel Felipe, former U.S. diplomat Jim Cason and Miami Dade College president Madeline Pumariega.

The event took place as opposition groups, academics and activists continue discussing possible scenarios for political transition in Cuba. At a separate forum organized by Diario de Cuba in Madrid this week, dissidents and analysts debated the role of the diaspora, democratic institutions and transitional justice in a post-Castro system, as reported by Spain's El Mundo.

"The future of the island is on the island," journalist Gina Montaner said during the conference, while activist Rosa María Payá warned that "either we organize and provide a democratic alternative to the people or history will run over us."

Several participants pointed to worsening economic and social conditions in Cuba, including emigration, aging demographics and declining public services. According to data presented by researcher Arístides Vara-Horma, 71.8% of Cubans surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the current system, which he described as evidence of "an irreversible break in totalitarian control."

The discussions also unfolded against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. President Donald Trump has expanded sanctions and measures aimed at restricting Cuba's oil supplies and financial resources during his second term.

Last week, the head of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis Donovan, met Cuban military officials near the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay in what both sides described as a discussion on operational security and military communication.