‘Strengthen It Through Strategic Unity’
“The “Vote 4 Unity” campaign is not about dividing the opposition—it is about bringing it together in a way that ensures every vote counts,” rhe Emperial Group said.
A spokesperson said, “The Emperial Group finds Premier David Burt’s recent remarks about national unity to be disingenuous and misleading. While he speaks about bringing people together, his actions tell a different story. True unity cannot be achieved when he continues to ignore and exclude the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA] from any meaningful engagement. A leader committed to unity does not pick and choose who is worthy of dialogue—especially not in a democracy where diverse voices should be acknowledged and respected.
“Instead of fostering genuine inclusivity, Premier Burt persists in using race as a political tool to divide the electorate. This tactic only serves to deepen societal fractures, undermining the very unity he claims to champion. At a time when Bermuda needs collective leadership and solutions, his rhetoric remains stuck in an outdated playbook of division.
“Additionally, it is evident that Premier Burt is attempting to discredit and diminish the role of Free Democratic Movement [FDM] and independent candidates. These candidates represent a growing portion of the electorate who are increasingly dissatisfied with the two-party system. Their presence on the political landscape is a reflection of the people’s demand for greater accountability, transparency, and fresh perspectives. Rather than embracing this shift, the Premier seeks to undermine their legitimacy, fearing the threat they pose to the PLP’s traditional stronghold.
“Bermudians deserve better. They deserve a government that unites, not divides; a leadership that engages all voices, not just those who serve its political interests. The Emperial Group calls on Premier Burt to back his words with action—by engaging all political entities in good faith, by abandoning divisive tactics, and by respecting the evolving will of the electorate. Anything less is a betrayal of the unity he so readily claims to support.
The Importance of a United Front
“From the very beginning, the Emperial Group has expressed the importance of a unified combined opposition for the purpose of achieving the combined opposition’s common objective, which is to remove the incumbent Progressive Labor Party [PLP] government because of its incompetent leadership manifested in broken promises.
“In the run-up to the February 18 General Election, the debate over the role and effectiveness of independent candidates has intensified. Scott Pearman of the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA] recently asserted that independents lack the cohesion needed to govern effectively, warning that their presence may fragment the opposition and diminish its ability to lead.
“While Pearman raises a valid concern about unity in governance, unity does not mean uniformity. The emergence of 27 registered independent candidates in this election is not a fluke—it is a direct response to the failures of both major parties to serve the people effectively. Bermudians are demanding representation that prioritizes their interests, not party politics.
“Former Progressive Labour Party MP Rolfe Commissiong has articulated a key point that Scott Pearman overlooks: Bermuda’s political order must evolve beyond rigid party structures.
“Commissiong, now an independent candidate, recognizes that traditional party politics has often prioritized internal power struggles over the needs of the people. He, like many others, advocates for a cooperative approach where independents and opposition forces align strategically rather than compete needlessly.
“Pearman suggests that independents lack the infrastructure to implement policy, but this view ignores the potential for coalition governance. Around the world, coalition governments bring together diverse leaders who govern effectively through collaboration. Bermuda is no different. Independent MPs, free from strict party directives, can work alongside structured opposition forces to build a government that is accountable and people-centered.
“The “Vote 4 Unity” campaign is not about dividing the opposition—it is about bringing it together in a way that ensures every vote counts. In this election, it is crucial that independents and the OBA do not cancel each other out in key constituencies. Instead of working against one another, both groups must identify where their strengths align and strategically cooperate to challenge the current administration.
“The goal is—unlike what the PLP would wish—not to weaken the opposition but to strengthen it through strategic unity. This means ensuring that seats are not lost due to vote-splitting and that opposition forces work as a united front where necessary.
“Pearman’s view implies that voters must choose between the OBA and the PLP, but that is precisely the thinking that has led us to this political moment. Bermudians have already decided that the old system is not enough. They are seeking representatives who are accountable to them—not to party leaders.
“The rise of independent candidates does not weaken democracy—it strengthens it. By electing independents who are willing to work collaboratively with traditional opposition forces, Bermudians can reshape governance into something more representative, transparent, and effective.
“This election is about more than party loyalty. It is about strategy, leadership, and the courage to embrace a new way of governing.
“A vote for an independent is not a gamble—it is a vote for accountability, for strategic governance, and for a Bermuda that belongs to the people, not just political parties.
“The choice is clear. Work together, or lose together. It’s time to choose unity.”
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
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