HAMILTON, Bermuda – Premier David Burt on Friday named October 1 as the date for fresh general elections on the British Overseas Territory (BOT), nearly two years ahead of the constitutional deadline.
In the last general election, held in July 2017, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) defeated the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) by 24 seats to 12 and added an extra seat in a subsequent by-election to extend its overall House majority to 14.
“In accordance with the Bermuda constitution, the Governor has accepted my advice to hold a general election on October 1,” Premier Burt said, adding that the election, which was not due until 2022, would help the island to focus on rebuilding its battered economy and creating more opportunities for Bermudians.
“The prospect of a series of by-elections does not represent the best use of the public purse at this time but a general election by which the people of Bermuda will safely cast their votes will allow us as a community to devote our efforts to the rebuilding of our economy and the creation of greater opportunity for Bermudians who have shown strength and commitment to each other during this challenging period.” (CMC)
