The political system is organized within a framework of an independent socialist republic. Cuba is constitutionally defined as a “socialist state guided by the principles of José Martí, and the political ideas of Marx, Engels and Lenin.” The present Constitution also ascribes the role of the Communist Party of Cuba to be the “leading force of society and of the state.”

According to 2007 data from American organization Freedom House, Cuba is the only “non-electoral democracy” of the Americas.

Executive power is exercised by the Government, which is represented by the Council of State and the Council of Ministers. Legislative power is exercised through the unicameral National Assembly of People’s Power, which is constituted as the maximum authority of the state.

Currently Raúl Castro — brother of former President Fidel Castro — is President of the Council of State, President of the Council of Ministers (sometimes referred to as the Prime Minister), First Secretary of the Communist Party, and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Ricardo Alarcón is President of the National Assembly.

There are no legally recognized political parties aside from the Communist Party which controls everything. The constitution guarantees individual freedoms and freedom of speech, religion and press provided they are in tune with the goals of a socialist society. This really puts the concern for human rights on a back burner. Political dissent is not tolerated.