MIAMI, United States. – A recent report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) of the United States reveals that the Cuban regime would be carrying out influence operations to support candidates in the 2024 legislative elections, seeking those who favor a relief of sanctions and better relations between Havana and Washington.
The report places Cuba alongside powers such as Russia and Chinaon a list of foreign governments that would be interfering in US electoral processes.
The report, published just over a month before the presidential elections in the US and quoted by the AP news agencypoints out that the Cuban Government is “almost certainly” trying to influence the results, mainly in those candidates that could benefit its interests in terms of foreign policy.
“Cuba has tried in previous elections to help candidates they consider aligned with their interests, such as reducing economic sanctions,” according to a US intelligence official who offered statements on condition of anonymity.
According to the report, these influence activities have been designed to modify public and political perception towards Cuba, taking advantage of the close competition for control of the US Congress.
Cuban influence operations are not only limited to high positions of power, but could also be focused on local and state elections that could have direct implications on US foreign policy towards the Island. “Cuba is not new in these attempts, but current conditions allow them to intensify their efforts,” the report adds.
Like other foreign powers mentioned in the report, such as Russia and China, the Cuban government has resorted to disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion and potentially change the course of the elections. These tactics include creating networks of fake websites and social media accounts that pretend to be U.S. citizens, promoting disinformation about candidates and key issues. The strategy also seeks to divide voters on hot-button debates such as the economy and foreign policy.
“Disinformation is a powerful tool that is used to generate distrust in the electoral system and increase internal divisions in the United States,” another ODNI official explained. In the case of Cuba, the narrative focuses on improving bilateral relations and reducing economic tensions caused by sanctions imposed by the United States.
The report indicates that these tactics could be designed to favor candidates more aligned with the opening towards the Island, as those who have promoted the lifting of the embargo or the promotion of cultural and commercial exchanges have been in the past.
The warning from intelligence agencies comes at a time when the US elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate are shaping up to be especially close. According to analysts, foreign influence could tip the balance in some of these key districts. “This type of interference is more effective in closed races, where every vote counts and the results can depend on disinformation campaigns or foreign influence,” said one of the officials consulted.
In the context of the presidential elections, the report also mentions that Russia has been supporting former President Donald Trump, while China has maintained a more neutral position. However, in the case of Cuba, its main interest remains the improvement of bilateral relations, regardless of who is in the White House.
Both Cuba and other countries mentioned in the report, such as Russia, China and Iran, have categorically rejected accusations of interference in the US elections. However, US national security officials have warned that influence and disinformation operations pose a significant threat to the integrity of the election.
“Although there is no evidence that the results of the elections can be changed, disinformation is a threat that we must take seriously,” warned the director of the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, Jen Easterly.
