BERMUDA-Political parties welcome the February 18 general election.

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Premier David Burt fielding questions after announcing February 18 general election date

HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC—Opposition political parties have welcomed Premier David Burt’s decision to call a general election on February 18. Governor Rena Lalgie has officially dissolved the Legislature, per the Premier’s advice.

The ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) comfortably won the last two general elections in this British Overseas Territory, winning 30 out of the 36 seats in the 2020 snap poll called at the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

But, announcing the election date 10 months ahead of the constitutional deadline, said Bermuda stands on “the cusp of a pivotal time” and that the 2025 budget for the coming fiscal year, usually presented in February, would need to reflect the collective wishes of the electorate.

Burt, who has signaled this will be his final general election following a change in party leadership, is promising a continuation of economic development plans and policies to ease the burden on the most vulnerable should his party be re-elected.

In an interview with Bermuda Broadcasting, Premier Burt was asked whether uncertainties about receiving revenues from the Corporate Income Tax and the pending re-opening of the Fairmont Southampton hotel mean the PLP is riding on major economic hopes that have yet to be fulfilled.

“This is a government that has proven that its heart is in the right place…and while nobody is perfect, what we want to do is to continue the work of bringing relief for persons and fixing the problems that we can in this time of a complicated and turbulent world,” he replied

Political observers say the cost of living could determine the election outcome. They note that while the growth of international business has continued to shore up our economy, wages in several other sectors have not kept up with inflation. In addition, crime and antisocial behavior are also high on the list of concerns for residents.

The leader of the main opposition, One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), Jarion Richardson, while he welcomed the election, said, “The timing …is quite revealing because it’s just before the budget, and that is not coincidental, especially given that much of the promises that the Premier had made towards the end of last year”.

He said that the budget process takes months and months and that Premier Burt “got somewhere into that process and then decided to call the election.”

Richardson believes that the PLP had a number of motives for calling the election but that the OBA welcomes the announcement. He remains confident that the party can turn the tide on the PLP’s significant majority in the outgoing Parliament by presenting 36 candidates by the end of January.

The leader of the Free Democratic Movement (FDM), Marc Bean, welcomed the “formal dropping of the writ” and said, “This marks a pivotal moment in Bermuda’s democratic process, and the FDM is fully prepared to engage with the electorate on the issues that matter most to our people.

“When the announcement was made, the dejected mood among MPs and the public’s tone of disappointment were clear. This sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment with the current administration and its inability to inspire confidence.”

Bean said that the FDM stands as “a credible alternative, ready to deliver the fresh ideas and decisive, trustworthy leadership that Bermuda needs,” adding, “We look forward to a spirited campaign as we continue to put forth our vision for Bermuda.”

“Our focus remains on addressing the critical challenges facing Bermuda, including reducing the cost of living and creating a Bermuda where families can thrive and build a secure foundation for generations to come,” Bean said, adding, “We urge all Bermudians to make their voices heard by registering to vote and becoming the masters of your destiny.”

Former premier Sir John Swan, who is likely to be among the independent candidates, is among those expected to contest the election next month.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement from Bermuda Youth Connect, Bermuda Is Love, and Taj Donville-Outerbridge, a young activist, writer, and political commentator, they criticized the decision to call the poll without giving young people adequate time to register.

They said the island stands at “a critical juncture, with an aging population, declining birthrate, rising costs of living, and an alarming number of Bermudians leaving the island for stability.

“Young people are critical to improving our island. Yet, for many young people, this election would have been their first opportunity to vote since the 2020 snap election.”

The statement called on young people to register to vote, adding that “the registration deadline is January 1.

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