Scott Pearman, the One Bermuda Alliance candidate, did us a favour by attacking independent candidates in a recent op-ed. Why? It demonstrated to those who do not support the OBA that the Movement for Independent Candidates is not in league with the Official Opposition.

The independent movement continues to grow. Previously non-voters, disaffected Progressive Labour Party voters and growing numbers of OBA voters — especially Azorean-Bermudians — are getting on board. They are rallying around this movement for fundamental change. Bermudians are not dumb; they know that Bermuda has reached a dead end and that our renewal cannot be achieved under this party-based system. That even those with six-figure salaries are struggling in this economy says it all. Both parties represent a status quo, which is failing Bermuda.

The day after

Many are wondering what the day after the General Election on February 18 will look like. The best-case scenario for Bermuda is that neither party achieves a majority. Mr Pearman’s OBA, otherwise known as the “dead man walking” party, is on course to pick up maybe three additional seats at best.

David Burt’s patronage plantation that was once a progressive labour party, on the other hand, will lose far more seats than it anticipates.

But, first, remember there are two words that you will not find in our constitution. They are “Bermudian” (Bermudians) and, most important for this discussion, “party” (parties).

The day after the election, Bermuda will be on course to wake up to find itself with a hung parliament. Under this scenario, a coalition government could be triggered. Any scenario with the independents collectively having the most seats would result in us holding the balance of power in the House of Assembly. This would afford the independent movement the ability to lead the House in the formation of that coalition government. No party or entity will likely hold an absolute majority to form a government on it own .

The coalition government would be composed of the best talent available of all the elected members of the House of Assembly. Remember, our constitution does not recognise party/parties. This is how we begin to place Bermuda first and not party.

Bermuda’s renewal

This is where Bermuda’s renewal begins. That begins the process that leads to the redrawing of our political, constitutional and economic models and not its endpoint. It’s the start of the process of the long-overdue change that will be required to achieve the above. It will also allow us to better navigate the rapidly emerging world characterised by increasing chaos and peril that confronts us and the world at large.

For this, we need all hands on deck. Not just some hands from those available in Party A or Party B. To describe Bermuda in the political context as having a shallow talent pool unlike in previous eras would be an understatement. We don’t have that luxury any more, with too many of my former colleagues and those on the other side of the aisle falling into the category. That is why neither party can rise to the level of the significant challenges that confront us.

Notwithstanding the above, is anyone in denial about the overall quality of the independent candidates that have been nominated across the island? Make the comparison. Independent candidate Lauren Francis is but the latest example. Ms Francis is running in Warwick South East, a constituency that would be privileged to have her.

The real heroes

The real heroes of this movement for change are not the independent candidates but the now thousands of Bermudians who know that the Bermuda we live in is no longer sustainable. They are the ones who are saying, “Enough”. The party system is no longer serving the needs of the country. In fact, it is now an impediment to our future and Bermuda’s long-overdue renewal.

To my fellow independents and the thousands of Bermuda voters, this is how we know we are on the right track. It is when all three parties are attacking us more than each other. Do not trust them. Stay the course and continue to encourage your friends and neighbours to vote independent.

To OBA candidate Scott Pearman, the future of Bermuda depends on it. Let us seize the historic moment before us. This may be the last opportunity we have in a long time. Do it for Bermuda’s future.

They have led us to this dead end. It’s time to say, “No more”.

• Rolfe Commissiong is the independent candidate for Pembroke Central (Constituency 17) in the next General Election

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