A strong democracy is as much about free and fair elections as it is about how we get to that point. For this we need a defensible framework — rooted in integrity and transparency — for how we conduct our elections. In the absence of such a framework, we run the risk of watering the seeds of dissent.

Electoral and campaign finance reform are essential steps to be taken along the path to improving democracy in Bermuda.

The notion of “improving democracy” is not some abstract concept of political discourse; in fact, when we get this right, it leads to greater political participation, a more informed populace and a better holding of elected officials to account.

There are four main areas of reform required and the next Progressive Labour Party government will act decisively to put these in place.

First, we will establish an electoral commission. This is a key recommendation of the Parliamentary Elections Committee that I chaired and the report was approved without dissent by Parliament. The One Bermuda Alliance government, however, has not acted on this — a PLP government will.

In fact, the OBA spoke passionately about the need for electoral reform in 2012, yet has done nothing in this area. Instead of taking steps to improve democracy, it was audacious enough to attempt to pass polarising immigration legislation that left many Bermudians wondering if the democracy the OBA was intent on creating would lead to their own marginalisation.

Electoral commissions have become commonplace in democracies that seek to strengthen their institutions and bring greater accountability to elections. The commission we establish in the next PLP government will not simply oversee elections, but also have quasi-judicial authority to handle matters brought before it.

Second, we will implement election spending limits. To create a level playing field for political parties, it is important to ensure that financial limits are in place. Without limits, expenditures could spiral out of control and make election results more about how much money you spend than how the people’s condition will improve.

The OBA approach is to ignore this issue altogether while it quietly raises millions of dollars for high-priced consultants. There are those who will dig into the past in an attempt to point fingers.

Pre-emptively, let me say the ways of the past are outmoded and we are looking forward to adopt best practices in terms of spending limits.

Third, we will set limits on individual and corporate donations, and require public disclosure of large donors. This issue is intimately connected with spending limits. In the absence of such limits, we will remain in the murky area of simply buying political influence, as was raised in the Jetgate spectacle.

There has been no full and proper investigation regarding the $350,000 donation that the OBA repeatedly denied any knowledge of. Only after the donor himself publicly confirmed the contribution did the OBA admit to the use of those funds in its 2012 election ground campaign.

What followed was the resignation of Craig Cannonier as Premier but we know little more. Transparency requires that the public know who all large donors are and, while the OBA has paid only lip service, we will act decisively.

The issue is simple: large and secret donors raise the prospect of untoward political influence. It may not be. But, the best guarantor against this is to have transparency regarding such donations.

Fourth, we will formulate relevant campaign regulations. These regulations will cover a multitude of issues relating to elections. One such regulation will cover campaign donations to unofficial accounts in support of a political party. These, too, must come under public scrutiny. We have seen in the United States where super political action committees were created to circumvent spending limits. Allowing them to go unchecked and undisclosed would simply undermine the raison d’être for the electoral commission.

This will be something new for Bermuda, and it will usher in an era that will no doubt create a level of discomfort for some. It is, however, a necessary step along the path we must take to make our growing democracy stronger.