Third time’s a charm as Burt savours victory for PLP
A jubilant David Burt said this morning that “the work continues” after he delivered the Progressive Labour Party to a third election victory under his leadership.
The Premier celebrated the 24 PLP MPs who will join him in the House of Assembly as well as other General Election candidates when they enjoyed festivities on Court Street in the early hours.
Spirits were also high for the One Bermuda Alliance, which increased its seats in the Lower House to 11, up from the seven it held before the dissolution of the legislature.
A staggering 109 candidates contended constituencies across the island, with the two main parties joined by representatives of the Free Democratic Movement, the Emperial Group and 26 independents.
The activity meant predictions for upset and noticeable changes to the make-up of the House were plentiful, although only the PLP and OBA secured seats.
A number of retirements and resignations prior to the election meant some new faces were guaranteed.
The departures included political heavyweights such as Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, who was the Minister of Public Works, and Derrick Burgess, who held the position of Deputy Speaker of the House, all from the PLP.
On other side of the aisle, Susan Jackson’s retirement meant the OBA stronghold of Pembroke South West (Constituency 20) was up for grabs — Michael Fahy confidently holding it for the party.
Voter turnout yesterday was just shy of 55 per cent — down on the 61 per cent that was deemed low in the pandemic election of 2020.
One of the trends that emerged through the night was that of candidates winning seats with fewer than half of the votes cast as multiple rivals split the ballot.
Nine winning candidates last night — seven from the PLP and two from the OBA — secured less than 50 per cent of the vote, compared with none in 2020.
The Parliamentary Registry website showed last night that the PLP’s overall share of the vote was just under 50 per cent.
In 2020, the party enjoyed almost 62 per cent and in 2017 the figure was nearly 59 per cent.
A dip in vote share did nothing to quiet the PLP’s celebrations this morning — it has won six of the past seven general elections.
Mr Burt, who has said he will step down as party leader next year, told a cheering crowd: “This victory tonight is not about one leader or one party; it is about all of us and the future that the people of Bermuda have made clear that they want to build together.”
He added: “While tonight is a night of celebration, tomorrow the work continues and that work is not just for those who supported us, but for every Bermudian — because, as we pledged in our election campaign, we will govern for all.“
New MPs for the PLP included Leroy Bean in Hamilton East (Constituency 5), which was vacated by Mr Burgess, Alexa Lightbourne, who retained Devonshire North West after Wayne Caines said he was stepping away from politics, and Paul Wilmot, who held Warwick North Central (Constituency 27), where Colonel Burch was formerly MP.
On Reid Street, Jarion Richardson, the OBA leader, reflected that “democracy is about choice, and … Bermudians have made theirs”.
He said: “Although this outcome is disappointing for us, we respect the process and the will of the voters.
“Elections are not just about winning or losing; they are about the people, their concerns and their hopes for the future.
“While we may not have secured victory this time, our commitment to Bermuda remains as strong as ever.”
In a message to candidates, he added: “For those of you who won your seats, we will be a strong and dedicated opposition. And to those of you who didn’t, you can expect me to call on you as we continue our journey to build a bigger and better OBA and a stronger Bermuda.”
Among the seats seized was a decisive OBA triumph in Warwick North East (Constituency 25) where Douglas De Couto took 529 votes, or about 65 per cent, with Joanne Ball-Burgess, of the PLP, on 235 — about 29 per cent. Independent candidate Justin Mathias came in third with 55 votes, under 7 per cent.
The seat was won in 2020 by Ianthia Simmons-Wade, of the PLP, who has since retired from politics.
Robin Tucker took Hamilton South (Constituency 7) for the OBA, where she ousted the PLP’s Anthony Richardson by 69 votes — 384 to 315.
Iman Gibbons, an independent candidate who ran for the seat, attracted 65 votes.
Meanwhile, Linda Smith, of the OBA, took Southampton West Central (Constituency 31) from the PLP, with 310 votes compared with former seat-holder Crystal Caesar, who secured 291.
The two female independent candidates in that seat — Juanae Crockwell and Karen Hodgkins — took 144 votes and 21, respectively.
A battle between two senators in Southampton East Central resulted in victory for Dwayne Robinson, of the OBA, who won 468 votes, compared with the 300 secured by Mischa Fubler for the PLP.
Jason Wade, of the PLP, won the seat in the 2020 election — 486 to the 400 for Leah Scott, of the OBA.
Mr Fahy’s success in Pembroke South West (Constituency 20) was resounding. He secured 403 votes, or 73 per cent.
Former OBA candidate Vic Ball, who was expelled from the party last year, garnered 62 votes for the seat, trailing the PLP’s Iesha Musson, who took 87.
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