Bermudians are being repeatedly asked to choose between two political entities that have failed them as governing parties. The Progressive Labour Party and One Bermuda Alliance have massive shortcomings and one should rightly question why so many of their high-ranking members and MPs are retiring from politics or shifting their allegiances.

The incumbent regime alone has lost more than ten present and former MPs and Cabinet ministers, who for various reasons have chosen not to run under the PLP banner this time around. Hopefully, Bermudians are viewing these silent retirements and resignations as the astonishingly clear “canaries in the coalmine” that they are.

The Premier has repeatedly framed this election as a contest between the OBA and the PLP, while his regime’s advertisements blatantly disrespect our democratic right to choose by dismissing the Free Democratic Movement and numerous independent candidates as “nothing more than distractions”.

Political competition, especially when well matched and justified, is only a distraction from a regime that wants to rule without question — or dictate, if you will. Further, MP Jaché Adams recently referred to the independent movement as reminiscent of the “NewBP”, but as many on social media have rightly pointed out, he seems to be staring directly into a mirror. The PLP is, after all, made up of more former United Bermuda Party MPs than either the OBA, the FDM or the announced independents. The regime continues to be wholly disingenuous with the people of Bermuda; these are just two such examples.

The PLP has called a surprise election, yet does not have 36 candidates or even a confirmed party platform to share with the public. A competent and prepared government would have had its platform ready at the time of the election announcement. To make matters worse, the PLP regime has overwhelmingly failed as a government in the eyes of most Bermudians, particularly given its significant and historic legislative majority.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to read fellow young Bermudian Asha Symons’s masterful articulation of the failures of the Burt/PLP regime: “Democracy or kakistocracy? You decide”.

But let’s be clear, the OBA is no better. It has been perhaps the weakest opposition Bermuda has ever seen. Its time in government was also riddled with controversy, beginning with the resignation of its first premier after the notorious Jetgate scandal. It failed miserably at immigration reform with the highly controversial Pathways to Status proposal, which led to seniors being pepper-sprayed for peaceful protesting, and then conducted a pointless and costly referendum on same-sex marriage that led to real policy implications, and sold out the Bermudian people with its disastrous airport deal.

One candidate, Geoffrey Faiella, recently stated on social media that the OBA “isn’t about the past”. How convenient, given that its past is filled with the same failures and missteps that are plaguing the PLP regime.

The reality is that both regimes have had controversial and failed infrastructure development projects. Both have promised sweeping government reform, only to fall spectacularly short — immigration reform under the OBA, and education reform under the PLP; two critical issues that, if handled poorly, could irreparably damage Bermuda’s future. Most significantly, both regimes have failed to listen to the people of Bermuda when it mattered most.

The OBA also appears to have the least politically viable candidates, many of whom are woefully uninformed about the issues Bermudians are facing. Its simplistic party platform is uninspiring and unimpressive. Running a country is not simple, and it certainly cannot be boiled down to three scrolls of vague promises on a website. Bermuda and her people deserve better than that.

While I have often been critical of the FDM, I must acknowledge that, despite being on the opposite end of the ideological spectrum from me regarding social justice and economics, it has put forward some of the most well-thought-out and descriptive policies of any party in this election. I know I’ve given them a lot of heat in my previous articles but the more I listen to the FDM, the more compelling its case becomes. It deserves to be taken seriously as a future governing party. My only hope is that it will field enough candidates in strategic seats to have a real impact — and that it does not fade into obscurity after this election.

While I have become increasingly sceptical of whether party politics is a viable system for Bermuda, the FDM is shaping up to be a legitimate option for those who are dissatisfied with the PLP regime and the OBA, but are still committed to the party system. Not to mention, it has some brilliant minds among them — some of whom I have had the pleasure of engaging.

However, the most exciting, refreshing and affirming developments in this election cycle are:

1, The rise of high-quality, experienced independent candidates. We are witnessing some of Bermuda’s best and brightest stepping up to be a bold alternative. Candidates such as Renée Webb, Juanae Crockwell and Noelle Young are shining examples of Bermudian excellence. It is no coincidence that these three brilliant, accomplished Black women have chosen to run as independents rather than align themselves with either of the established parties. Their presence alone should send a clear message to the PLP regime and the OBA that the people of Bermuda demand and deserve better.

2, The resurgence of youth political engagement. I am constantly reassured that Bermuda will be one day in the capable hands of knowledgeable, compassionate young leaders. Some of us are entering politics now, some of us are pushing from the sidelines, some of us are finding other ways to serve our community, and some of us are focusing on our education. When Bermuda calls on us to take the helm, we will be ready.

I have had the absolute honour of being part of both these movements — through my writings and my work. When I first started writing about LGBTQ+ issues in Bermuda, my pieces were little more than an afterthought. But shifting my same ideologies and writing style to political commentary has resonated with a significant audience across the island. I am proud and humbled that my voice carries weight but it would mean even more to me if my presence in this space changed even one heart or mind — if even one Bermudian now sees that LGBTQ+ Bermudians have value, that we care about the future of our home and that your challenges are our challenges, too.

These are not separate issues. Party politics worldwide has turned LGBTQ+ lives into political footballs, driving sharp increases in anti-LGBTQ+ violence and adverse mental health outcomes for our community. It has proven itself to be a divisive tool that benefits only the select few, who still win regardless of which party comes out on top. Independent candidates, on the other hand, offer something different. They offer Bermuda an opportunity to move beyond ideological and racial divides. Unlike party politicians, independent MPs are accountable only to their constituents, not to a party leader or major party donors. They can propose bold amendments to legislation, vote freely, and bring much needed local representation back to Bermudian politics.

For me, independents represent change. While I cannot speak to the character of every announced or yet-to-be-announced independent candidate, the movement itself speaks to my hopes and dreams for Bermuda. I want a Bermuda where democracy is not only alive but constantly evolving. I want a Bermuda where voters have more than just two bad choices — especially when neither of the two major parties have earned our trust. I want a Bermuda where my MP can speak and vote freely on behalf of my community, rather than being “whipped” by party politics.

Despite what the PLP regime and OBA would like you to believe, they are not the only options. Your vote can change that. Maybe we won’t see a complete shift in government this election cycle but playing the long game has value. Why not give an FDM or independent candidate a chance on the field? Let them prove themselves to the people of Bermuda, and come the next election — or two elections down the road — you will know, at least in part, who is truly best to be in government or not in government. They certainly cannot do worse than what we have now. And when they do make mistakes, we will be right there to hold them accountable. Right?

Political change can happen in Bermuda; it has happened before. But it happens only when all of us use our voice and our vote to demand it.

• Taj Donville-Outerbridge is an award-winning Bermudian human rights activist, writer and student studying a double masters of public administration and global affairs at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also has a decade of involvement in Bermuda’s political system under his belt. He can be reached via Instagram @_king.taj_ and e-mail at tdonvilleouterbridge@yahoo.com