HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Bermuda government is urging citizens to participate in the ongoing island wide electoral reform town hall meetings aimed at revamping the island’s voting system and making it easier, fairer, and more accessible for all Bermudians.
Voting in Bermuda (file Photo)“These town halls are about listening. Hearing directly from the public will help guide reforms that strengthen confidence, fairness, and accessibility in Bermuda’s electoral system. I encourage everyone to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives,” said Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, Diallo Rabain.
He said that the townhall meetings form part of the government’s efforts to modernise Bermuda’s electoral system and boost public confidence and participation in the democratic process.
“A strong democracy relies on the voices of its people, and these forums provide an opportunity for residents to share their views and learn about possible improvements to election administration.”
The government said that each town hall meeting will include a brief presentation, followed by a moderated discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and contribute directly to the conversation.
Rabain said that the discussions will focus on key areas under consideration as part of broader electoral reform, including, implementing absentee voting for eligible Bermudian students studying overseas; establishing clear and transparent standards for political parties and campaign financing; ensuring the voters’ register remains accurate, private, and transparent.
The discussions are also intended to embracing practical modernisation of the electoral systems and technology and setting consistent and fair rules for polling day administration.
Last year, the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) was severely criticised by students who were unable to return to the island to vote in the last general election.
Elections in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, have been taking place since 1620. The island’s current electoral system, with a lower house elected by all Bermuda status-holders, each casting a single vote, voting in single-member districts on the first past the post method, came into effect with the 1968 constitution.
