When the talking stops and the dust settles for a general election, the case goes to the political jury room which is that small cubicle where each eligible voter has the opportunity to render a verdict on who should be selected to lead Bermuda into the next page of our history.Each voter hopefully enters that booth with an open mind after wading through oceans of political rhetoric that included negatives and positives. Of course in every election there will always be those with an unshakeable stance to support this or that group no matter what. That does not take anything away from the democratic process, which provides the right to choose.The electorate is the judge and jury. Their verdict will determine how they really feel about the plight of Bermuda and whether or not a change of leadership is required to move the island away from divisiveness in order to solve our many problems. The Progressive Labour Party who have held the seat of power for 14 years, have a trail of political blunders that is not a plus in efforts to retain power. It would be inaccurate to say they have done everything wrong. No political party gets it right every time.Although most would agree that the world recession sent shock waves that reached our shores there is strong opinion throughout much of the Island community, that the Government plundered along with spending as though we were the only ones with a bottomless bank vault.The average voter does not need a mountain of statistics and graphs to know that too many wallets these days are thinner than a saltine biscuit. In other words they know something is wrong.The big question is, will the same people who have been steering our Island ship for over a decade have the ability to change course before that point of no return. That decision is in the hands of the voters. Only they can determine where we move next.The One Bermuda Alliance which became the newest political party when the former United Bermuda Party imploded, created a new challenge for the electorate. Some former UPB stalwarts had joined the PLP even before the total collapse of that party. It was clear that the UBP which had become the Opposition after some 30 years as Government, had a serious problem in connecting with the people and their problems. After all it is always the people who decide whether you stay or go.When the Progressive Labour Party finally gained political power the golden opportunity was there to demonstrate that the new age of a more united Bermuda was about to take place. In fact most Bermudians were hoping a page had been turned for a better Bermuda. In most democratic countries the people always hope the Government of the day will deliver on promises, and perform in a way that builds trust and confidence.Somehow the general feeling is that when some get a taste of power, they tend to lose sight of the values they so gladly trumpet on their way up the political ladder. There was also the danger of using power to seek revenge for past social injustices. In the old south in the United States after the civil war, the term bottom rail on top, said it all.The One Bermuda Alliance has without question gained considerable momentum in its quest to unseat the current Government, despite continued controversy over what lead to their formation. It is amazing how the term secret can be used in Bermuda, when a sneeze in Somerset within minutes can be a subject in St George’s.The report that the OBA was formulated in a master secret plan to fool the public through resurrecting the old UBP with new clothing, does not amount to any great revelation. Even without a secret plan, most political observers knew the United Bermuda Party was running on fumes for years and that their 15 minutes was over. It was painful for their devout followers, but they had only themselves to blame. The UBP had leadership problems while Bermuda was crying out for change, and they choose to ignore the cries.As for the secret report, the OBA fumbled the ball badly in reaction to that report since they claim they had nothing to do with it. Making matters worse was the way the press was brushed aside for asking pertinent questions regarding the matter. Again not appearing to be open and truthful regarding that report gives the impression there is something to hide. Not a good signal while trying to win support.The Progressive Labour Party, who are hearing loud and clear calls for change in how the Island is run, know their political backs are against the wall with the election days away, and any stumble by the OBA will be pounced upon. That is a part of the political arena, and the OBA should be aware that they must be seen to operate in a manner that is transparent and truthful, something they have accused their opponents of failing to do. Whether the voting pattern will be affected by all remains to be seen.It serves no purpose to rehash the litany of questionable financial and political matters that continue to haunt the PLP Government, but even they know reality cannot be avoided. What is even more important is that we should not allow our island ship to run aground, simply because no one has the guts to change course.With our small population, we should not allow ourselves to become so bugged down with political and racial differences, that our vision is blared with anger and the ability to focus on critical concerns is diminished. The truth is often painful and difficult to face, but the road to true freedom is paved with the courage to rise above negatives in trying to build a healthy positive society.