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HERRADURA, June 19 (Lázaro Raúl González, CPI /
www.cubanet.org) - One day into the three-day period designated by the
government for collecting signatures in support of declaring Socialism permanent
in Cuba, an informal survey showed 65% of the voters in Pinar del Río
province were not familiar with the terms of the Constitutional Modification
Initiative.
Of 80 residents surveyed, 52 were not able to recall even one of the four
items in the initiative that they had supported with their signatures.
Also, 57% said they had signed even though they were not in agreement with
the perpetuation of the current political, economic and social system.
Among the reasons cited by people for signing the petition even if they felt
it went against their better judgment, we heard the following:
"I’m afraid."
"I’m a government employee and I can’t afford to lose my job,
because I support a family of six."
"I can’t stand out, because it could be prejudicial to my
business, which is illegal."
"I did it because everybody does it."
"One tree does not make the forest."
"What would I accomplish by being the only one who refused to sign?"
"I voted so as not to bring harm upon my children."
"Inertia."
Most often heard: "What does it matter!"
A mere 8% claimed to know about Project Varela, a proposal by various
dissident groups to effect some changes in the Constitution within its own
framework.
Finally, 26% said they had a real interest in preserving the one-party
system forever, and barely 10% think it is possible to do so.
Versión
original en español
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