Freedom is the best term for democracy. Individual freedom to choose, free to be, free to express opinions, free to pursue individual goals and successes.In two days, registered voters of Bermuda will tend to a virtual sacred rite.We, the people, living in a free, democratic society will assert our right to vote, to choose the politicians and government that we feel will serve us best. This is a challenging gift, a serious responsibility, and so taken for granted.Nations and people have fought and died for this inalienable right, the right of choice, voice, and self-determination that exists unfettered in our community.What do we want from those that we may choose to elect, our politicians? At a minimum, we want them to be responsible to our needs, we want them to reflect our values, we want them to be experienced, and educated, real leaders with personal characteristics above reproach. We want them to be decent human beings like us (or what we perceive we are to ourselves and to others).We want to be able to trust them to keep their word, do the right and honourable thing when making decisions — for the common good — and those of their friends and family.Human Metrics has developed a test that a voter can take to refine the qualities that they wish to see in their political leaders. Called the Politics Performance Indicator, the test states the following:“Fate of people, destinies of nations, and history itself are determined to a substantial extent by politics of political leaders.When electing a politician, voters frequently base their decision on the image created by mass media and professional image makers; they also tend to take into account only current events and tasks. This, unfortunately, can result in bringing to power a politician who eventually damages the country’s position or even causes national or international cataclysms.” http://www.humanmetrics.com/politics/politicstest.htmHow do you go about assessing a political animal and what he or she represents?The political candidate qualities checklist. What do voters want in their candidates for virtues, knowledge, and qualities literally across the board?The choices definitely appear to focus on how you, the voter views your own life, and moral ethical code. In essence, voters want to identify with a candidate who is like them or represents their life values.Review the candidates for your area, then answer yes or no to the qualities, and characteristics listed below. You’ll know fairly quickly which candidate will represent your best interests.1. Trust. Can you seriously trust this person and what he/she says and does, implicitly? You may not agree with him /her but is the trust there?2. A Moral, ethical code. This is a deeply ingrained philosophy for many, many people. The code drives their lives and how they conduct their relationship with others. Does your candidate have this moral character?3. Honesty and integrity. How do they conduct their own finances? Always borrowing money, or lending a helping hand?4. Committed. When he/she gives his word, are the commitments fulfilled? Or is this just media-hype and campaigning promises never to be enacted?5. Knowledge and education. Is the political candidate sufficiently motivated to understand the position he/she has undertaken. Or, does he or she pay lip service to a programme, assuming that you wouldn’t understand anyway.6. The candidate’s Lifestyle. Is it conducted the way it always has been, or changed with more flash and dash thrown in, now that the individual is a public figure.7. Admiration. Is this a person that you truly admire, would want for a mentor, would like to emulate, and you truly believe is a good person working for the common goal of a better Bermuda for all.Vote. Your life and your livelihood depend upon you asserting your individual right to choose, as you see fit, the best political candidate for the exhaustive job ahead.This is just a small list of considerations that will come into play when you walk into that voting booth. Only you can decide who will represent your community interests, your chances for jobs and advancement, and financial success in life.Only you.VOTE.Martha Harris Myron is an independent not affiliated with any political party. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, and not The Royal Gazette.