Scott Pearman’s recent commentary on the “apathy election” is emblematic of the One Bermuda Alliance’s broader inability to confront its own failures. While Pearman laments voter apathy and critiques proportional representation, he conspicuously avoids addressing his party’s role in deepening public disillusionment.

The reality is that voter apathy is not an abstract phenomenon — it is a direct response to the OBA’s lack of vision, failure to inspire confidence, and refusal to adapt to Bermuda’s evolving political landscape.

Pearman’s attempt to shift focus on to electoral systems and voter turnout statistics is a transparent deflection. Instead of engaging with substantive critiques, such as the OBA’s inability to unify opposition forces or present a compelling alternative to the Progressive Labour Party, he retreats into mathematical hypotheticals.

This intellectual evasion underscores a deeper issue: the OBA leadership, including Pearman, remains disconnected from the electorate and unwilling to engage in self-reflection.

One of the most glaring failures of the OBA under Pearman’s influence has been its inability to forge alliances with other opposition groups, including independents and entities such as the Emperial Group.

Pearman dismisses figures like Marc Bean, labelling him as difficult or unworkable. Yet, this dismissal ignores Bean's proven ability to challenge the PLP in its strongholds, which the OBA has consistently failed to do.

History shows that Marc Bean has never lost an election against the OBA, a fact that Pearman conveniently overlooks. The refusal to collaborate with Bean and other independents was not just a tactical error; it was emblematic of an elitist mindset within the OBA that prioritises control over coalition-building.

By insisting on running a full slate of candidates, even in constituencies where independents had stronger chances, the OBA effectively sabotaged its own prospects. This rigidity reflects a lack of strategic foresight and an unwillingness to engage in innovative political thinking.

Pearman’s commentary also reveals an elitist undercurrent within the OBA that has alienated large segments of Bermuda’s population. His dismissal of collaboration efforts and his focus on abstract electoral reforms betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what voters want — tangible solutions to pressing issues such as cost of living, healthcare and governance transparency.

Instead of addressing these concerns, Pearman perpetuates an insular narrative that appeals only to a narrow base.

This elitism is further evidenced by Pearman’s reluctance to acknowledge the contributions of figures such as Sir John Swan and Marc Bean — individuals who have shown a willingness to challenge entrenched norms. By sidelining such voices, Pearman reinforces the perception that the OBA is out of touch with ordinary Bermudians, and more concerned with preserving its internal hierarchy than serving as an effective opposition.

The Emperial Group rejects Pearman’s narrative and calls for a new approach to opposition politics in Bermuda. The following steps are essential:

• Acknowledging mistakes: the first step towards rebuilding trust is admitting past failures. The OBA must take responsibility for its inability to unify opposition forces and inspire voter confidence

• Strategic collaboration: opposition groups must prioritise coalition-building over individual agendas. This includes working with independents and smaller parties in constituencies where they have stronger chances of success

• Engaging voters: the focus must shift from abstract debates about proportional representation to addressing real-world issues that matter to Bermudians, such as economic inequality and governance reform

• Leadership renewal: the OBA needs fresh leadership that reflects Bermuda's diversity and can connect with voters across racial and socioeconomic lines

• Innovative thinking: the era of rigid party politics is over. Opposition forces must adopt flexible strategies, including endorsing independents or withdrawing weak candidates in key constituencies

Scott Pearman’s commentary exemplifies everything that is wrong with the present state of Bermuda’s opposition. His failure to address his own party's shortcomings, while deflecting blame on to external factors, highlights why voters remain disillusioned with the OBA.

The Emperial Group urges all opposition forces, including Pearman himself, to abandon their insular thinking and embrace a collaborative, forward-looking approach. Only by addressing these failures can Bermuda hope for a viable alternative to PLP dominance — and only then will voter apathy begin to subside.

• Eugene Dean was a candidate for the Emperial Group in Sandys South (Constituency 33) in the 2025 General Election