Ten things we learned from the election results
101 writes: 1) The party system is not quite over just yet. Ten party candidates were returned, which shows a clear emergence of the independents but many of the party candidates, including those that lost their battles, still received a lot of votes, some losing only marginally in their constituencies.
2) OMOV works very well for independents. The ability to take all politics truly local favoured the independent candidates because they don’t have the luxury of relying on the party base and wider national dogma and party appeal. These independents showed more local connectedness with the people than some of the party ministers, who were too busy on the national level to stay in touch with their people.
3) Mac should follow Kurt’s lead. McKeeva Bush was unable to use his coattails to much effect, clearly showing that he should have resigned before this election. He is now highly unlikely to ever lead politically again. He has missed the boat for a gracious exit but he needs to go. His CDP is no match for the PPM and that organisation should also be disbanded or entirely revamped without him.
4) As far as parties go, the PPM is here to stay. Say what you wish about the demise of the party system but if you look at the votes handed out to PPM members, including those that loss their seats, it’s clear that this group will have a future as long as its leadership is strong and respected (yes, the leadership now needs to change). The ‘surprise’ election of Barbara and David in George Town and the very slim losses of Marco and Wayne are all proof that this group still has more to offer politically.
5) Marco was the sacrificial lamb and a poor choice for one. The PPM leadership threw Marco under the bus. Alden ran away from a loss in GT Central, handing it to Marco, who swallowed the party line and choked on it. Having Marco re-elected as a strong finance minister would also have helped with any negotiations now towards forming any alliances. The PPM squandered its best asset in Marco Archer and there is no other way to spin that.
6) Final day mud slinging does not always work. Attempts to impact Joey Hew’s support by saying he was arrested, posting for the umpteen time that Austin Harris was charged with abuse (and posting that only during election time), divisive ‘Jamaican references’ regarding Chris Saunders, or creating evil memes of McKeeva all failed, as each candidate was elected.
7) Independents were successful but not without significant support. Against the party machinery, which organises its funding and other resources, most stand-alone independents would have found it difficult. But with the help of Steve Tomlinson many of them had access to funding which was absolutely crucial in their success. ‘Special interest’ anyone?
8) The people want change. The support for independents makes it clear that the people want a change in government, and away from the PPM government, at least for now. The voters seemed to be asking for a coalition with significant involvement of independents. Successful independents should be wary of this when approached by party members to form any alliance where party members dominate (such as a PPM coalition) because this may go against the wishes of the people.
9) Social media, social media, social media. Candidates that used social media very well also performed well in the election (Kenneth Bryan’s exposure of the PPM’s hypocrisy was a great example of this). The only exception to this was Anthony Eden because, well, he’s Anthony Eden.
10) The formation of a group of persons with different agendas as a government takes a lot of time and causes a lot of unease in the community. The people got what they wanted but they now need to be very patient because already there are many concerns regarding how this group will work together, if indeed we have an independent-led coalition, who will be the premier, who will be minister of finance, financial services, etc. It will take time and it won’t be perfect but that doesn’t mean democracy has failed. We elected them to work for us and this is their first job.
Category: 2017 General Elections, Elections, Politics, Viewpoint
Time for financial rules to block money buying the election.
7 is the big point here folks. These guys were controlled by the man who paid for their campaigns
It may take a few more elections but political parties will eventually become the norm. The system is such that a group of independent MLAs, elected from different constituencies with vastly different ideas cannot suddenly all agree about everything, which is what they would have to do to day by day when running a government.
The Cayman Islands are too small for district interests to be allowed to influence ‘national’ policy; the independent member who can only see the boundaries of his own constituency is of no use in the long-term.
I don’t think so. The Independents are not that small-minded.
Independents might not be small minded.
But this group of so called independents XXXXX can’t even agree to be in the same room. All thinking they should be Premier or have a Cabinet position. (Now we understanding Dr. T is trying to cash in his bills.
Any group of people that would vote out a man like Mr. Archer to put in KB, deserve what they get. Do you people really think he will remember you until the next four years if even then. A political Minister has to run the country, not be at your beck and call. It was the same thing with the Biggie house on Shedden Road. Everyone know exactly what was happening at that house and beyond. but they still talk stupidness about “poor people”.
There is a mind set called the SOB mentality. Where the SOB does not want anything, neither do they have anything, at the same time, they do not want to see another SOB with nothing. This type of SOB will sucker you any chance they get. some people simply cannot be helped and will never work a days work in there life. they already see how easy to act the part and call it racism and prejudice or whatever to get that little hand out they requesting.
We need to raise the standard of our overall education system. Starting with the Politicians. We expect to tell our children about needing education and when they learn that the people elect uneducated idiots over the hard work educated and quality candidates. You think children not pay attention to this foolishness?
And we have to stop importing more uneducated and more poverty to this little Rock. Social services is already over run by them. Inside and out.
Sad to say this won’t matter one bit now because both parties made a deal today. What a mess
All rubbish the independents are not independent they just don’t have a name. I suggest steves stooges
It is possible people like the party system but not their leaders. Perhaps Alden and Mac both need to follow Kurt’s example before the next election.
Looks like they want the leaders because they just made a deal Alden still premier
Mike drop. I truly hope that we take these points in mind going forward. I would add one more thing. People can win by small number of votes so everyone need to vote next time!
I’m glad you mentioned number 1 and 4 because people are crazy to think parties are done here. They will get stronger if they are organized
very very well put as usual 101! lets see what happens now…
We need to turn #5 into a song and play it all day everywhere. Alden should be ashamed of himself. What he did was sinister.
yes for real. that was the worse move ever and I hope that Marco remembers this in 2021
Marco is a solid, genuine Christian, not perfect in every way, but forgiven and willing to seek God’s will for his life. He also knows that forgiving those who have hurt him is a necessary step in doing God’s will. May God grant him grace and the fortitude to continue to be the decent man that he is.