Cayman Islands Election Upsets Incumbent McKeeva Bush, Resulting in Hung Parliament

The Cayman Islands’ political landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the 2025 general election, leaving the territory in a state of unprecedented uncertainty. The election results delivered a hung parliament, with no single party securing the necessary majority to form a government, triggering a scramble for power among rival factions. The People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) emerged as the leading party, capturing seven of the nineteen parliamentary seats, but falling short of the ten seats required to claim the premiership. This outcome has set the stage for intense negotiations and coalition-building as parties vie for the support of independent members and smaller parties to establish a governing majority. The election has ushered in an era of political fragmentation, marking a departure from the traditional dominance of established political forces.

The political earthquake that shook the Cayman Islands was further amplified by the unexpected defeat of McKeeva Bush, a towering figure in Caymanian politics for over four decades. Bush, a former premier and long-standing member of parliament, lost his seat to independent newcomer Julie Hunter, his cousin, in a stunning upset that defied all pre-election predictions. This result signifies a symbolic end to an era defined by Bush’s controversial leadership and a political career punctuated by allegations of corruption and sexual harassment. His defeat marks a watershed moment, signaling a potential shift in the political culture of the Cayman Islands and the rise of new leadership.

Adding to the intrigue of the election, two nascent political entities, the Cayman Islands National Party and the Caymanian Community Party, made a significant impact, each securing four seats. These parties, relatively new to the political scene, now hold considerable sway in the formation of the next government, wielding the power to influence the direction of the territory’s political trajectory. Their emergence as key players highlights the evolving political dynamics and the growing influence of alternative voices in Caymanian politics. The future direction of the government hinges on the alliances forged between these emerging forces and the established parties.

The electoral drama was further heightened by a simultaneous non-binding referendum that saw voters express their views on several key issues. Voters overwhelmingly supported the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana and the establishment of a national lottery, indicating a shift in public attitudes toward these social and economic issues. However, a proposal for the development of cruise berthing infrastructure was decisively rejected, demonstrating the public’s concern for environmental protection and sustainable development. The referendum results provide valuable insights into public opinion and may shape future policy decisions.

The outcome of the 2025 general election has plunged the Cayman Islands into a period of profound political transition. The absence of a clear majority party necessitates the formation of a coalition government, a complex and potentially unstable arrangement that could lead to either productive collaboration or political gridlock. The next government will likely be composed of a diverse range of political ideologies and interests, requiring careful negotiation and compromise to address the challenges facing the territory. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the composition and stability of the new government.

The political future of the Cayman Islands remains uncertain, with numerous possible scenarios unfolding in the aftermath of this unprecedented election. The formation of a coalition government will require skillful political maneuvering and a willingness to compromise among the various parties. The stability and effectiveness of the resulting government will significantly impact the territory’s ability to address critical issues such as economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. The election has ushered in a new era in Caymanian politics, characterized by uncertainty, fragmentation, and the potential for significant transformation. The coming months will reveal the long-term consequences of this electoral earthquake and the direction the Cayman Islands will take under its new political landscape.