Vexed Bermoothes

There’s an interesting trend in the Cayman Islands, which is due to hold elections next month.

For the first time, there are more candidates who have declared themselves as independent (22) than candidates affiliated with the island’s two parties (21), the incumbent People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) and opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).

Local political observers agree that the flurry of independents – who are distributed across all six voting districts – suggests a frustration with party politics and the perception that self-interest motivates Caymanian politicians.

This trend appears to be a particular condemnation of the PPM, which holds 10 out of the 15 seats in the Legislative Assembly.  The PPM have been in office for four years after a major victory in the 2005 elections running on a theme of change.

There is much angst in Bermuda whether our own two-party system inhibits the proper flow of democratic checks and balances, focussing more on partisan axe-grinding than on governance issues.  Many will watch the Cayman election with interest.