Decision Day: get out and vote
The outcome of the General Election has been framed as a verdict on the island’s traditional two-party system — while the Progressive Labour Party has doubled down on its message that voters’ choices amount to its own administration or the One Bermuda Alliance for their next government.
David Burt, the Premier, insisted that anyone who abstains from voting, or who casts a ballot either for an independent candidate or the Free Democratic Movement, risked “waking up on Wednesday to an OBA government” for the next “five long years”.
Sir John Swan, a former premier whose independent candidacy last year in Smith’s North (Constituency 10) triggered an unprecedented wave of non-partisan contenders, said there were “a lot of vague promises being made out there” but that it was now down to voters to break from “a party system that’s not working”.
The FDM, founded by Marc Bean, in turn, stated that “the days of unchecked political power combined with low political standards are over”, maintaining that “a coalition government is possible — and it’s what Bermuda needs”.
Jarion Richardson, the leader of the OBA, declared the party had “the team, the solutions and willingness to get things turned around, and can start on day one”.
The Emperial Group, fielding a single candidate in the poll, charted a scenario in which voters could pick “a strategic allocation among the opposition forces” to deliver the island’s first coalition government.
Mr Burt said the PLP was built on the platform of creating a fairer Bermuda for all while others had fought to protect the privilege of a few.
He attacked the OBA’s record on immigration, relief for seniors and “underfunding public education”.
Mr Burt stated during a press conference at Alaska Hall that the PLP remained committed to governing for all Bermudians, regardless of race or political affiliation.
New opposition movements have made their case for a complete change in government for Bermuda.
However, Mr Burt said: “While many other candidates have stepped forward in this election, only the PLP or the OBA will lead the next government.”
The island’s 36 polling stations will open from 8am to 8pm for Bermuda’s voters to cast their choices in the General Election.
The Parliamentary Registry Office reminded all registered voters to bring valid identification to their respective polling stations.
Residents were urged to verify registration details in advance, along with checking their polling station locations.
Passports, Bermuda driver’s licences, special persons cards, voter identification cards or employee identification cards bearing a photo, signature and date of birth qualify as valid identification.
Not permitted inside polling stations are helmets and cameras — including mobile phones, video or other electronic devices equipped with a camera.
The registry office reminded voters that workers are entitled to time off from the job to cast their ballot.
Employees were asked to make requisite arrangements with staff.
The Emperial Group, a grassroots community organisation, issued a list of “candidates they endorse from the combined opposition in winnable seats”, which included its contender for Sandys South (Constituency 33), Eugene Dean.
The group’s blunt message to voters was that attaining a “successful coalition government hinges on the ability of candidates and voters to unite with a shared goal: removing the PLP from power”.
It said: “The Emperial Group entered the political arena to remove the PLP from office, create a pathway to a coalition government and address the leadership vacuum that has left the electorate disenchanted.”
The island’s elections have typically fallen to one of two parties since the PLP formed in 1963, followed by the United Bermuda Party in 1964 — although the National Liberal Party made modest political gains before it became defunct after the 2003 election.
The UBP disbanded officially in 2011, with the OBA created from a merger of some of its former members with the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.
Independent candidates have run for the House of Assembly but the standout was the late Stuart Hayward, who in a 1989 upset ousted the UBP’s Clarence James from the strong seat of Pembroke West Central.
Pundits have typically dismissed their chances in the face of the island’s polarised political terrain.
However, the Emperial Group said the island’s politics had “shifted dramatically” in favour of third-party options — while the FDM stated: “With 109 candidates contesting this election, more than ever before, it is clear that Bermudians are ready for something different.”
Mr Burt stated at the weekend that the PLP would collaborate with the FDM and independents if the party secured the election.
In his final pre-election pitch, Mr Burt said yesterday that the PLP had offered to work with the OBA while in power and would continue to do so, going on the expectation that “the OBA will be the political opposition”.
The FDM said: “Premier Burt suggests that only the PLP or OBA can form the next government but the numbers tell a different story.
“With so many candidates in this election, a clear majority for any single party is far from guaranteed.”
With 36 seats in the House of Assembly, the FDM posed a scenario in which it secured five seats, the PLP won 15, the OBA took 13 seats and three seats went to independent candidates.
Such an outcome would leave the PLP without the necessary parliamentary majority, which in turn would mean the need for a coalition government, while five seats would give the FDM “decisive negotiable power” in Parliament.
The party said its leverage lay in its “ability to naturally align with the PLP”, but that it would “do so only under the right conditions”.
The FDM said the PLP’s governance had “raised concerns” while the OBA had “struggled to regain public confidence”.
It added: “The FDM is not here to play political games with our people’s wellbeing.
“If a coalition government is the best way to restore faith in leadership and deliver real results, we are ready to be part of that solution.”
Mr Richardson emphasised the country’s difficulties as well as “the sense of apathy, reluctance and a lack of trust in politics”.
He added that “these problems will remain so long as good people do nothing”.
Mr Richardson said of the OBA: “We will replace distrust, reluctance and apathy with hope, vision and initiative.
“We will respect your vote because we know that which we obtain too easily is esteemed too lightly
“We will respect your voice, not find ways to diminish it.”
Asked for his view, Sir John said: “My answer is very simple. You have individual independent candidates who want to get elected. Until they get elected, I cannot say what is going to happen.
“These are individuals running on behalf of their constituents, not on behalf of any party. If we get elected, we will see which will best serve Bermuda.
“We just do not believe that for the next five years or ten years, Bermuda should go through more of this party system.”
He added: “Once we get elected, we will try to make sure that we satisfy the parliamentary requirements.”
Sir John said that the island was in trouble, particularly economically.
“Can we stitch this thing back together in the interests of the people?” he said. “That’s the $64,000 question.”
The Royal Gazette will follow the election news live throughout today online.
• For the Free Democratic Movement and Emperial Group statements, see Related Media
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