Emperial Group On Election, Votes & More
“Why couldn’t the combined opposition collaborate before the election to prevent splitting the vote,” the Emperial Group has asked.
A spokesperson said, “How do we explain an unprecedented number of candidates entering the general election alongside an unprecedented decline in voter turnout? This paradox raises critical questions about the state of our political landscape. Why couldn’t the combined opposition collaborate before the election to prevent splitting the vote? This glaring mistake clearly favoured the incumbent Progressive Labour Party [PLP].
“Furthermore, how do we address the PLP’s failure to instill confidence among the majority of the 45,000 registered voters in Bermuda, especially when their mandate from just 12,300 voters should not be seen as sufficient justification for their platform? By the same token, what makes independent challenges appear irrelevant to the parliamentary process, and how can we ensure that all voices are heard in a democracy that claims to represent the interests of every citizen?
“The recent outcomes of the February 18, 2025, general election starkly illustrate these issues. The Emperial Group has chosen to lead by example in voicing legitimate grievances regarding the legitimacy of the PLP leadership, particularly in light of the squandered opportunity for National Unity in 2009. This missed pathway could have undoubtedly helped us avoid the cycle of violence that the PLP leadership has knowingly exploited for its own agenda of character assassination and self-aggrandizement.
“The election results are sobering. The PLP retained a majority with 25 seats, while the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA] increased its representation to 11. This outcome leaves many Bermudians questioning the efficacy of their political representation and the ability of opposition parties to present a viable alternative. The continued dominance of the PLP signals an alarming acceptance of mediocrity and a blatant disregard for the electorate’s dissatisfaction.
“A particularly troubling indicator of this disillusionment is the record-low voter turnout of approximately 55%, a stark contrast to the 82.76% turnout in 1998. This decline reflects a profound disappointment in the political process itself. Many voters feel that the PLP has neglected or outright rejected their needs and expectations. The high turnout in 1998 was driven by a desire for change—an aspiration that has since eroded as citizens grapple with the reality that their voices seem increasingly irrelevant.
“The Emperial Group acknowledges that while the “Vote 4 Unity” campaign may not have achieved its primary objective, it succeeded in bringing pressing issues to the forefront. The PLP can no longer be trusted to differentiate between winning an election and winning for the country. Premier Burt’s recent overtures toward collaboration with independent candidates and the Free Democratic Movement [FDM] suggest a potential shift toward coalition governance. Yet this is a small consolation for voters who yearn for real accountability and representational integrity.
“It is imperative for political leaders—from the Premier to the opposition leader and former Parliamentarians—to confront the growing apathy among the electorate. This indifference cannot merely be dismissed as a byproduct of electoral fatigue; it is a clear signal that the current political framework is failing to engage and inspire. The Emperial Group stands firm in its commitment to addressing these failures and ensuring that the grievances of the public are heard.
“Bermudians deserve a political landscape that is responsive to their aspirations and challenges. The failure to capitalize on the opportunity for National Unity in 2009 has left a void that has been filled by divisive politics and exploitation of societal tensions. The PLP leadership has perpetuated a cycle of violence for its own gain, focusing on character assassination rather than meaningful governance.
“As we look to the future, the 2025 General Election has paved the way for us to hold leaders accountable for their responsibilities in this unprecedented political outcome. The Emperial Group stands firmly for coalition governance, which begins with accepting leadership from “we the people.” It is clear that the system itself is not broken; rather, it is the leaders who are deliberately failing to address their shortcomings.
“We must demand a political landscape that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of all Bermudians and fosters genuine collaboration and accountability. Only by embracing this vision can we hope to restore trust in our political institutions and ensure that every voice is heard in the democratic process.
“There’s a lot more that needs to be addressed, and it will most certainly be dealt with. As the saying goes, “Who the cap fits, let them wear it.” It’s time for all leaders to take responsibility for their actions and for Bermuda’s future. Let us work together to build a future that reflects the true will of the people and holds all leaders accountable for their manifest failures whenever that is required, without fear or favour.”
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
Take a hint. You ain’t going no where. Pack up your marbles and go and do what you do best. Your own rhetoric is so warped you are entangled in it and if you don’t revise it you will never get elected. As it is such pieces above are too long for busy people who need a response to one word: Help.
What is this National Unity in 2009 they keep referencing?
Emperial Group Eugene Dean didn’t even make top 2 on the chart.
Sorry kind Sir, but I in no way accept what you are saying about your fellow Bermudians! The low voter turnout is because the people realize what games the opposition , may it be official or combined were up to. I do think that it is sad that many voters were just accepting that the PLP would win anyway and did not vote thinking their vote would not count, but it does. Many people in this age of technology are privy to world events and they understand that the gloom and doom picture you and your strategically placed opposition opponents are saying about Bermuda , and blaming on the current Government are actually events happening on a global scale. You speak of unity but are divisive ! May I suggest that one should look within to see why one would go to such lengths to fight ones own instead of trying to collaborate . Love and Hate could never be Friends!
Nothing is ever the PLP’s fault is it? Cheerleaders like you are the reason for a continued decline.
How do you blame the PLP for the deception created between the OBA and the Emperical Group? They chose to do this, and not disclose it until they had no choice!!! Sounds like their web of deceit backfired on them.
‘blaming on the current Government are actually events happening on a global scale’
My comment was in response to the above. To the cheerleaders anything positive is directly due to PLP actions whilst the opposite is due to third parties or events out of their control.
You are acting like people blaming the current admin for the abysmal state we are in isnt 100% true……..
The political landscape, constituency boundaries and racial makeup, is so skewed in favour of the PLP it is unlikely any General Election will result in a change of government. This is a reason for the PLP to be so against any form of status for long term residents. This gerrymandering also means that they will govern with a minority vote, as seen in the last 3 elections. No wonder the govern like it is still the 1970′s, always living in the past. The next few years will likely bring serious economic challenges which the PLP is unprepared for. These include outside influences, the growth of AI, less well paid IB jobs and less people overall, except for a growing civil service.
‘The political landscape, constituency boundaries and racial makeup, is so skewed in favour of the PLP…’
Lets start by being factual. Each constituency is designed to hold approximately 1,200 voters to ensure we are as close as possible to ‘one man, one vote, each vote of equal value’. No gerrymandering there. The population base will take care of the rest.
And for status, there has to be a recognition of how the voter base was intentionally manipulated by the former UBP prior to 1998, to its voting advantage.
“racial makeup”
Why can’t white voters vote PLP? Why is it that black voters have to swing vote all the time? Why is it that when 3% white voters join the PLP other whites denounce them and label them as traitors?
You sound like a racist yourself and I’m telling this as a white voter who voted for the ruling government!!!!
“Racial makeup”. Bermuda’s population is generally referred to as being 60/40. As such with 36 Constituencies more will be won by the PLP. Pretty basic stats.
“Why is it that black voters have to swing vote all the time?”
Because black voters make up the majority of eligible voters in Bermuda.
That’s why the obaubpeers will never win. People refuse to vote for a racist party.
Of course White people vote for the PLP. your narrative is divisive. Divisiveness divides and is not good for a country as small as ours. Please think about the damage you are causing.
The politics of hate continues to prevail in Bermuda
When you run fake candidates in districts, and duplicate opposition in constituencies thus splitting the vote, you cannot blame the people nor blame the PLP. The blame goes on those who were orchestrating this chaos.
Is this article from the same person who ran as an independent.
You write a column trying to spill ya words but never came to visit me leading up to the election.
I saw not one of you before the election but you all cry after its over.
Lets be honest the people have spoken, results are in and best candidates won their seats. Doesn’t matter how many people voted the one’s who cared did.
Stop with your crying as to what you think or believe should have happened.
To ALL of you stop the bitterness and lets get the Island on track.
Its up to US to petition the members of Parliament to try right the ship and get the Island back in shape.
All this chatter is not the way as you are just using words that no one hears or wants to see.
Actions speak LOUDER THAN WORDS