Albert Einstein is often credited with the saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.” For decades, Bermuda has been governed by the same political structures, yet our challenges have only deepened. The time has come to break this cycle. The time has come for systemic change.

Both the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance caution voters against “wasting their votes” on independent candidates. Their argument, as expected, is rooted in the belief that only traditional political parties can govern effectively. But where has that got us?

Bermuda is at a crossroads. Our gross domestic product has remained stagnant for more than 20 years. Public debt stands at an estimated $3.21 billion, meaning every resident effectively owes $51,000 — with the real figure likely much higher. We are spending $136 million per year — $2.6 million every week — just to service our debt. Our international credit rating, crucial to sustaining international business, has been already downgraded and faces further risk. Bermudians are leaving their homeland in droves, unable to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Meanwhile, the administration of our education system is failing and housing has become increasingly unaffordable. Thousands remain without health insurance, while seniors are forced to make impossible choices between medication, food and utilities. For many, the rising cost of living has made survival in Bermuda unsustainable, with more than 6,000 Bermudians emigrating in search of better opportunities and a higher quality of life.

The two major parties have governed throughout all of this. If party politics were the answer, wouldn’t we have seen progress by now?

Independent candidates present an alternative — one based on collaboration rather than division. The notion that voting independent is a waste is fearmongering designed to maintain the status quo. While critics argue that a government inclusive of independents would be disorganised and chaotic, the truth is we already have a disorganised and chaotic government.

What independent candidates do offer is accountability, transparency and genuine engagement with the electorate. This alternative instils fear in the party system because without voter loyalty, the traditional parties would collapse.

Independent Members of Parliament would have the flexibility to vote for the best solutions. We see this model — where individuals come together to effect change and progress — working in every other sector of our country. Collaboration is a fundamental component of effective advocacy and systemic change. Independent representation creates an opportunity for collaboration and collaboration leads to change.

In other jurisdictions using the Westminster system, independent representation is thriving. In the Cayman Islands, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, independent representatives dominate parliamentary and legislative bodies, and are proving highly effective in governance.

One particularly interesting example is the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which operates entirely without political parties. All elected officials serve as independents, making decisions based on consensus rather than party lines. The Government functions through a system of committees, where policies and laws are determined collectively by elected representatives — a framework that could absolutely work in Bermuda.

Suggesting that 18 elected officials with diverse expertise would be ineffective simply because they are not tied to a party is absurd. The idea that individuals cannot work together reflects the political immaturity of our present leaders. Then again, perhaps they struggle with this concept because unity has never been part of their political agenda. Political parties thrive off division in our community, while the people suffer as a result.

The PLP and OBA fear the rise of independent representation because it threatens to dismantle the system that has long served them — but now stifles us.

Independent candidates would be able to focus on solutions rather than playing political football — kicking problems farther down the road. They listen and act in the best interests of Bermudians, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to longstanding issues. Most importantly, they unite rather than divide — because we are all in this together.

The independent movement represents not just a shift in politics but a shift towards community-centred governance. The challenges we face belong to all of us. We cannot afford to let partisanship divide us any longer. It is time to come together, to unify behind a common goal: a better Bermuda for everyone.

The time for change is here. The time for independent leadership is now. Do not let those who thrive on division convince you otherwise.

• Juanae Crockwell is an independent candidate for Southampton West Central (Constituency 31) in the next General Election.For more information, visitwww.crockwell31.com

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