HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermudians are casting their ballots for a new government on Tuesday, with the two main political parties confident of winning the election that Premier David Burt called 10 months ahead of the constitutional deadline
In the 2020 snap elections, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) won 30 of the 36 seats, with the remainder going to the leading opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA).
The Parliamentary Registry Office (PRO) said all polling stations opened at 8.00 am (local time)and will close 12 hours later.
“Registered voters are strongly encouraged to verify their registration details and polling station locations…to ensure a smooth voter experience and to avoid any delays,” it said, adding that registered voters are reminded to bring valid identification to the polling station.
The PRO said that acceptable forms of ID include a passport, Bermuda driver’s license, Special Persons Card, Voter Identification Card, or an employee identification card with a photo, signature, and date of birth.
It said voters are not permitted to wear helmets, carry cameras, cellphones, video cameras, or any other electronic device with a camera when entering a polling station, and employers are being reminded that “workers are entitled to time off from work in order to vote.
109 candidates are contesting the elections, with the PLP and the OBA having named candidates to contest all 36 seats. There are 26 independents.
The PLP is urging voters to return the party to office, with Premier Burt saying the country has a choice to make that will impact the next few years and future generations.
Burt, who indicated that he would not contest another general election, said his government is committed to fairness and not “just platitudes.”
He acknowledged the island’s general discontent with the cost of living, saying Bermuda is at the mercy of global economic tides, but his party would work to soften the blow.
OBA leader Jarion Richardson said he hopes his political legacy will be that he stepped up when others gave up on the Opposition.
“We shouldn’t wait for a crisis to come together. This election is about rebuilding our country as one. Let’s move forward. Let’s restore opportunity,” the party has told voters.
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