Official civil society is made up of more than 2,000 organizations. They have constitutional and legal recognition. Among them are "social and mass organizations," which emerged in "the historical process of struggle of the Revolution" and those that "operate under the Law of Associations.".
These organizations share three common characteristics. Exclusivity: they are unique within the system. Although several were created through political acts or by law and are not registered as associations, the Ministry of Justice denies registration to NGOs that might have similar aims. The law prohibits overlapping objectives.
As a result, the majority of people residing in the country are involved in these organizations. 91% of the entire population over 14 years of age belongs to the CDRs, and 90% of women, approximately 4 million, belong to the FMC. This example illustrates the second characteristic: mass mobilization.
The third is their close ties to political organizations. Although they describe themselves as part of civil society, most publicly support the only recognized political party, and their leaders hold positions within party structures at all levels.
For example, the General Coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, the Secretary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), and the Secretary of the Central Organization of Cuban Workers (CTC) are currently members of the Political Bureau of the PCC. They also hold positions on the Council of State, the most important and powerful political body in the country.
The exclusivity, mass appeal, and political-ideological connection between official civil society and politics allows the group holding state power to control everything from communities to entire social groups. They are two sides of the same coin.