Cubans are holding their breath to see who will be the next U.S. president. With Barack Obama promising to lift U.S. embargoes on Cuba, they cross their fingers for the Democratic presidential candidate.

For the Cubans America’s choice greatly influences their country. The people on the communist island have managed without U.S. aid for almost half a century. But having been ravaged by two hurricanes, they are getting desperate for change.

Ever since Fidel Castro stepped down as president, the Cubans are now able to privately own a piece of land, a mobile phone or can step foot inside hotels built for tourists. It is the time of reform and diplomatic resurrection for Cuba – with much of the world community condemning Washington's trade embargo on its tiny neighbour.

It’s hard to find a McCain supporter on the streets of Havana. Obama has pledged to lift the restrictions imposed by the Bush administration such as family-related travel and money transfers to Cuba, and he is seen by some as the island's only hope of restarting dialog.

The President Raul Castro’s daughter Mariela is definitely for Obama.

“I would love to see Obama. We need civilized and honest dialog, not barbaric talk like McCain’s. With Obama, there is going to be another era for North America and the world,” she believes.

Many in the party elite remain, however, untouched by either candidate. Some of Cuba’s academics share the same opinion.

“It’s not important who the next president is”, says Dr Francisco Ramirez, Vice-Director of the Centre of Biotechnology. “They are all the same – the establishment is the same. A lot of things have to happen for things to change between Cuba and the U.S.”.