The result of recent by-elections will encourage more people to stand as independent candidates, former premier Sir John Swan said.

Ci’re Bean, who stood as an independent in the Sandys North by-election last week, gained 95 votes, pushing the One Bermuda Alliance into fourth place.

He was only 67 votes behind the Reverend Emily Gail Dill, who held the seat for the Progressive Labour Party, and 13 votes behind Free Democratic Movement founder Marc Bean.

At the Smith’s North by-election in May, standing as an independent, Sir John secured 184 votes, beating the PLP into third place and was only 25 votes behind the OBA’s successful candidate, Robert King.

“I am very much encouraged at the position we found ourselves in the results of both by-elections,” said Sir John, who is seen by many as the de facto leader of an independent movement.

“A survey was done in which 60 per cent of those polled indicated that they are disillusioned by party politics and are looking for a different choice.”

He added: “There are a number of people who have expressed an interest in running as independent candidates in the next election, and if it is conducted in a fair manner, I believe they stand a chance of being successful.”

After the Sandys North by-election, there were suggestions that the island’s opposition parties should merge.

However, Sir John said: “This is my personal view, and I cannot speak on behalf of the independent candidates, but I believe that independent members are still necessary as they do not want to be tied to a party.

“I believe that independent candidates want to be inclusive in all aspects of Bermuda and therefore would like to remain independent and not a part of a party.”

Only 456 people voted out of 1,200 registered voters in Sandys North.

Sir John added: “If the public want change, they must be prepared to be the agents of change by expressing their views through their vote and not staying away from the polls as a matter of protest.

“They need to come out to vote for who they feel offers a better choice to the system as offered by the candidates. The voters must be willing to participate to enact change.”

Ci’re Bean said he was encouraged by the result, which only “strengthens my resolve”.

“I’m not going anywhere and will continue to stand strong for my community,” he added.

Asked if the result would encourage more people to stand as independents, Mr Bean said: “Absolutely.

“The data clearly shows that people are interested in change and are eager to be represented by someone independent of traditional party structures.

“This result has undoubtedly inspired others to step forward and represent their constituencies with fresh perspectives.”

The Progressive Labour Party said that it was ”now clear that the next election will be a competition of ideologies — who represent working people and who represent the interests of the privileged who have always had it all in Bermuda”.

“Our record is one focused on making Bermuda a little bit fairer for us — introducing the minimum wage, raising taxes on the richest to lower taxes on middle-class families and increasing pensions for seniors.”

The party added: “The coalition of chaos that is forming on the other side is one committed to reversing the progress made for working people.”

Its statement said “we know who the OBA stood for” and claimed that the party opposed payroll tax reductions for workers.

The PLP added: “We know what the United Bermuda Party under Sir John was about — and the backward ideology that members of his new party are following.

“Marc Bean has made it clear that a radical far-right agenda is the agenda he agrees with and who he wants to align with.

“The PLP isn’t perfect, but we are committed to building a fairer Bermuda for Bermudians and have delivered many reforms that have made Bermuda more fair and just.”

Both the OBA and the FDM were sent questions. There was no reply from either by press time.