Despite a strong push for change, independents fail to secure seats, capturing less than 10% of the vote share
The influx of independent candidates sparked debate and dominated much of the public discourse in the weeks leading up to the election. But when it came time to vote, Bermudians did not show support en masse.
The “Independents Movement,” spearheaded by former UBP Premier Sir John Swan, secured less than 10 percent of the total vote share – falling well short of candidates’ expectations.
Just minutes after the polls closed on election night, independent candidate and movement co-founder Renee Webb told Bermuda Broadcasting: “I believe people are looking for change and are really tired of party politics but the question you pose and we all pose is whether or not people are actually ready to change the vote away from the parties and in favour of the independent candidates.”
Throughout the campaign, Ms Webb and other independents expressed confidence that Bermuda was ready for a political shift.
But when the results came in, not a single independent secured a seat in Parliament.
A diverse group of 26 independent candidates entered the race, hoping to provide an alternative to the two-party Westminster system.
They ranged from community activists and business owners, to former PLP and OBA members – even a former Premier.
Despite historically low voter turnout, independents collectively captured 9.2% of the total vote share – 2,281 votes out of 24,779 cast.
Some of the strongest independent performances were in the West End.
Cire Bean in C36 Sandys North came in second with nearly 32% or 206 votes, while Christopher Bean in C35 Sandys North Central secured 27% or 168 votes. Steven Faires in C34 Sandys South Central earned just under 21%.
All three lost to the PLP.
Across the island, only two other independents surpassed the 20% mark: Sir John Swan in C10 Smith’s North, and Renee Webb in C13 Devonshire North Central.
Sir John, widely credited with launching the Independents Movement, first ran as an independent in the May 2024 Smith’s North by-election.
This time, the gap between him and his opponents widened, and OBA’s Robert King once again claimed victory.
Other notable independent performances included:
- Tiffany Paynter in C2 St. George’s West – 19.63%
- Juanae Crockwell C31 Southampton West Central – 18.8%
- Suzie Arruda C19 Pembroke West – 18.1%
- Gavin Kennedy C28 Warwick West – 16.08%
Despite their best efforts, the election result suggest that while Bermudians may want change, most are not yet ready to abandon traditional party lines.
For now, the two-party system remains firmly in place.
