Open cabildo

The open cabildo was a special mode of assembly of the inhabitants of Spanish American cities during the colonial period, in cases of emergencies or disasters.

[3] Typically located at the main church, square, or a member's house,[4] it could be convened in the absence of legal precedent for mobilizing soldiers, announcing taxes, receiving information and communications, and promulgating emergency laws, among other issues.

In La ciudad Indiana (1900) by Juan Agustín García [es], he characterized the open cabildo as a function of communicating orders by the royal government, rarely formulating policy.

During the 16th century, those in Spain could elect their alcaldes; one in Havana exercised similar power until at least 1553, voting on two candidates; in 1603, the body reformed under the pretense of combatting piracy, which was a common recourse.

Article 70 of the nation's Constitution says that "there [must be] methods for the people to exercise their sovereignty in politics [including] the open forum and assembly of citizens whose decisions will be binding".