HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Voters are casting ballots in a general election today to electa new government with the incumbent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) seeking a fourth consecutive terms in office.
But it faces a strong challenge from the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) for control of the 36 seats in the House of Assembly.
Polling stations opened at 8 am and will close at 8 pm (local time) and electoral officials say more than 40 000 people are eligible to cast ballots.
PLP leader and Premier Paul Cox said Bermudians face a “serious choice” when they cast their ballots today.
“The Progressive Labour Party has stood strong for Bermudians of all races, religions and backgrounds and has invested in our people during the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression. It is not simply a choice between two political parties, but between two fundamentally different paths for our country, our families and our future,” she said.
She is promising to create jobs by rebuilding Bermuda’s economy “through smart investments in our infrastructure in ways that stimulate business growth.
“We will provide workplace skills training to give Bermudians the tools they need to get good-paying jobs and support their families,” she added.
OBA leader Craig Connonier said he hoped voters would give the recently formed opposition grouping an opportunity to bring new ideas to the country’s socio-economic development.
“We know that Bermudians from all walks of life are struggling as a result of our failing economy,” he said, noting that “our economic woes are added to a wave of violent crime that threatens the very fabric of our island and a soaring government debt that has crippled its ability to help people when they need it most.
“It is a good thing this election comes on Monday because you finally can have a say about the direction Bermuda is heading, whether you want more of the same with the current government or change for the better with the One Bermuda Alliance,” he said, noting that with more than 10,000 people unemployed or under-employed and a violent crime rate “Bermuda needs change”. (CMC)
