During the run-up to the 2012 General Election, I had contemplated running as an independent. The seat I chose was Constituency 21, won by Rolfe Commissiong. At the time, while canvassing, I felt very confident that I could win the seat, but it was going to be contingent on the One Bermuda Alliance staying out of the race. I recall writing to them and suggesting they leave the seat to me, and act as a true alliance.

The OBA avoided my suggestion and preferred to look like a viable party having candidates challenging all 36 seats, and therefore ran Jeff Baron. The result was a clear and decisive loss, which they honoured, rather than a more than probable chance at extending the balance of power through an alliance.

I was told that is not how it happens in the real world of politics: you choose a side and run for it.

There are many who have followed the tracts of President Donald Trump, who was once a Democratic Party supporter who turned to the Republican Party; essentially an outsider or independent, who swept the race towards nomination and led a popular movement.

Does any of that sound familiar? We know that structurally we are not the United States and, therefore, that the same apparatus that Trump used is not available to Bermuda. Notwithstanding that, Bermuda like the world is in dire need to be inspired by a message of hope and wants authenticity in its leaders, rather than party cronies who are reminiscent of the darkness of bygone eras.

The only phenomenon capable of driving a new message and creating a similar wave would be through an independent.

Now let me qualify that position: no independent can win a seat in any General Election. The stakes being high, the fever of partisanship becomes too entrenched to support an independent — that fever gets worse on election day.

However, the much sought-after swing voter, who sits in the middle and cares more about Bermuda, is the only constituency that forsakes party preference when really necessary for what is best for the country. It is they who give victory to either party and they who are the silent majority whose sentiments have for too long been unheeded and untapped.

The formula for an independent succeeding, not simply for the sake of an independent occupying a seat, but also to unite and bring meaningful change to the direction of the country, is to have a political party support an alliance with an independent candidate with a clear agenda.

That is the only formula for guaranteed electoral success. All else is subject to unpredictable behaviours and conditions at the time of the next General Election. The Progressive Labour Party enjoys a natural advantage, but this formula would be true for either party. And while I would suggest the party pundits consider this approach, I would also suggest that no independents embarrass themselves by running without an established alliance with a party.

If the OBA had listened before the last election, it would not be fighting for credibility as it is at present. It had no balancing force to keep in check its tendencies from veering to the right.

The “father knows best” attitude exhibited by them is too often seen as arrogance, rather than wisdom. There needs to be a place in the sun for everyone, and the long-needed systemic change to bring that about will not fall upon us by accident, but rather by our own capricious efforts that we foster.

That is how you “Trump” your way to success. Of course, none of this will happen, but it is worth mentioning.