Column: Dr Weldon On Elections, Voting & More
[Opinion column written by Dr Carika Weldon]
I have been overwhelmed by the support from my endorsement of the Independent Candidate last week. As a follow-on, I present for consideration a new mindset when voting in this election, that ensures Bermuda gets the best team of representatives in the House to steer our country forward for all.
As the upcoming election approaches, citizens are facing a pivotal choice—one that goes beyond the traditional party lines of the system with the emergence of so many independent candidates. For too long, our election process has been dictated by party loyalty, often sidelining the true measure of a candidate’s performance. It’s time to embrace a system where our vote is based on what our leaders do—and what they fail to do—rather than simply who they represent.
Imagine our national football teams. We want the best players, regardless of what club teams they play for, to be selected to represent the country. The focus isn’t on loyalty to a particular club team but on individual skill, commitment, and performance. This is the kind of standard we need in our government—a system that rewards ideology, principle, and hard work, ensuring that the working people are heard and represented by those with the most to offer.
Currently our elections are often swayed by the strength of political parties, leaving little room for personal accountability. Voters find themselves choosing candidates based more on party affiliation than on the candidates’ ability to deliver tangible results. This approach sidelines the voices of hardworking individuals who are ready to make real change.
A merit-based voting mindset flips this dynamic on its head. Each voter ensures that every vote counts towards performance and character rather than a party banner. In this system, leaders are judged on their actions and their commitment to public service—much like those national football players are evaluated on his or her performance on the field, regardless of which club team they play for.
This shift in mindset promises not only a more inclusive and representative government but also a more dynamic one. By electing leaders who have demonstrated real dedication and tangible achievements, we can foster a political landscape that genuinely reflects the needs of all citizens—from blue-collar workers to community organizers and innovators. It’s about selecting the best people based on merit and principle, ensuring that our democracy remains robust and responsive.
In the words of the great Julian Hall, “This island was built by not just black people, but white people too who have a lot to offer. I don’t want to be a part of a black political party. I don’t want to be a part of a movement that is based on race. I want to be a part of a movement that is based on ideology. I don’t want to be a part of a winning political machine. I want to be a part of a political machine that has beliefs. That has principles. That believes in what it is doing. That never forgets its core support, the working people of Bermuda.”
The time has come to rethink our election culture. Let’s move away from a system that often obscures individual accountability and instead champion a model where every vote is a direct reflection of a candidate’s promises backed up by performance. This election, consider casting your vote for a system that values the best qualities of leadership—the ones that come from hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people.
Much like our national football team is assembled from the finest talent across the country, our government should be a true reflection of the very best that our society has to offer. Whether PLP, OBA, FDM, or Independent, let’s vote for the best individuals in our constituencies to make up our national political team. Embrace the change. Vote for a true democracy, where every citizen’s voice is heard, and every leader is held accountable.
- Dr Carika Weldon
For full coverage of the 2025 Election and past elections, visit the links below, with comprehensive coverage available on our network website BermudaElections.com, the leading source of data and election videos.
- All: Our coverage of the 2025 General Election here
- 2025 Candidates: List of the 109 candidates
- Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
- Videos: Over 200 videos spanning multiple elections here
- Official: The Government’s election website here
- Comprehensive: Our BermudaElection.com website here
Sad.
Whipping on the top. After the election, what will she do to influence getting it done? My other ???? Will come if this one survives.
Doctor
You would / should / could have been our a ideal candidate your writing are impressive for an ideal government
Bermuda has alot of little problems
What is glaring us in the face is our national debt
No body has come up with a quick way on how to deal with it.
The interest alone is masive .
The people will suffer as no body saw it coming .