PLP Respond To Comments On Election Timing
The Progressive Labour Party [PLP] has responded to criticism of the timing of next month’s general election, saying “while we recognise that this timing presents challenges for Bermudians who will be unable to participate, we remain committed to ensuring fair and accessible elections for all Bermudians.”
A spokesperson said, “The Progressive Labour Party understands the concerns raised regarding the February 18 election date and its impact on young Bermudians studying overseas. While we recognise that this timing presents challenges for Bermudians who will be unable to participate, we remain committed to ensuring fair and accessible elections for all Bermudians.
“Out of a commitment to youth participation, we are planning a voter registration drive at Bermuda College to encourage young people to get registered or update their registration. We recognise the frustration of students who may be unable to return home to vote. Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting.
“This issue has arisen in every election held since universal adult suffrage, and we believe that, given advances in technology, we can and should revise our electoral laws in the future to better reflect the realities of today.
“We have worked tirelessly to engage and empower young Bermudians, both locally and overseas, through initiatives such as increased scholarships, the Youth Employment Strategy, expanded opportunities for young entrepreneurs, additional investment in youth development, and the implementation of the National Youth Policy.
“We encourage young voters to stay engaged and to connect with us to ensure their voices are heard in shaping Bermuda’s future. The PLP remains focused on building a Bermuda that is fairer for everyone and welcomes ongoing dialogue to address the concerns of young voters and their families. Together, we can ensure that every Bermudian feels valued and included in our democratic process.”
What a total pack of crap
You had a chance to support absentee voting when the OBA proposed it more than a decade ago. Whatever happened, why haven’t you done it? You just don’t care. No one believes you anymore. You’re so out of touch with reality.
I don’t know who said it first but I’m starting to believe the person that said PLP stands for Politicians Lying to People
This response was a complete deflection of the concerns. These politicians aren’t stupid: the PLP’s seen the statistics that young Bermudians in pursuit of higher education are not likely to vote in favour of them. The fact they’ve resorted to this shady exclusion tactic due to fear of being ousted further cements their contradictions of caring for Bermuda’s youth and future.
This makes it worse! Trying to blame history and saying they will fix in future, WHAT ABOUT NOW??
Why would we trust them given all they do is lie.
Just vote this lot out. Lies, lies and more lies.
They’ve had since 1998 to do what they say should be done. Pretty much like everything else they say they will do.
“Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting. This issue has arisen in every election held since universal adult suffrage, and we believe that, given advances in technology, we can and should revise our electoral laws in the future to better reflect the realities of today.”
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? You’ve had since 1998 to fix the issue. Come on, get real. You’re just saying stuff.
OBA, please wake up.
Fir the past 10 years we have heard nothing about absentee voting. Now youth voices are heard. A bit late and after the election they will go back to their life. Why didn’t he pick my grandmothers date or June with students are home working hard and enjoying life. Why was Jesus born in a stable and not a hotel? Why does Santa Claus have reindeer and not lions? Why do we have so many moaners who question everything and do little to organize and change?
Because this is entirely tactical, they know that most young educated people will not vote PLP.
Let that sink in, the educated not voting PLP.
And you can’t very well claim you are youth focused if you won’t allow large portions of the youth to vote. So this has nothing to do with ‘moaning’ and everything to do with obstructing democracy.
So you are saying Bermudians should just shut up and vote PLP and for those students overseas to celebrate that the PLP have chosen to deny them their vote! Wow.
What a steaming pile of bovine excrement! Always blame somebody else for something wrong. The PLP has had since 1998 to fix this. It has been an issue since before 1998 BTW.
Shame on them for calling the election neatly timed for when students, along with other voting residents are away. All should be able to vote online from wherever they might be in the world.
People should dress up warmly tonight, heavy snow is forecast.
30-6, but blame the laws.
SMH
No I blame you and other numpties that saddled us with these numpties
PLP talk about making fairer, how is this fairer.
Wow, they would have done better to not reply. How’s a drive at Bermuda College going to help the hundreds of kids overseas on school?
Famous last words.
We do get Hail on ocasions ,not seen any Snow yet ! condition are not right for that !
Is this the only country on the planet that blames all its problems on the goat.
Just wait till the “passing of the buck” gets into top gear.
Why should we do things today ? miracles take a little longer!
The best excuse is wind chill is cold out there .
We have had to wait for a very long time for a fairer Bermuda.
The possibility exist when you take the vote out of the country we could be inviting mail in ballots to be subject to fraud.
Where are the laws governing Bermuda elections?
How about dead people voting here or over their ?
Also in person ‘ renting voters ‘ also has its short comings with an address changing fraud.
Baiting the ballet box also ballet counting also has its problems.
Would the a home coming student decide to go ir not go and vote ?
If people do not like the slate they may choose stay home
but to endorse the vote
A single candidate leaves the voter with no choice but to endorse a vote ???
We will have people here stuck in a hospital bed or sick at home on Election Day.
There is always a transportation problem.
Tensions always run high during election periods not every one may have the right intentions.
Not all Bermudians living out of the island are students, some have left because te have had it with Bermuda , or just jumped ship .
Others for a multitude or other reasons can not or want to vote, some could be away for medical reasons or not like the party system. si where des the ballet go?
Those who have jumped ship ,so why should they have a say so in the government of Bermuda .
If many or any of you are concerned about absentee students voting lobby to have election day amended.
Why are we debating Election Day fairness election day .
is fair or un fair……… ref 2024 Throne speech !
Is this the old story we are all tired of seeing “Do as we say, not as we do “.
Are national election days being the subject of voting date manipulation ? .
The idea that politicians can be trusted to make decisions that aren’t politically self serving is wildly naive. The PLP are the OBA are the UBP as they all are driven by a thirst for power / financial gain and did I say power…
Bob todd.
When you mentioned trust in making decisions, may I ask are those decision relative to their own as you refer to self serving or that of the party they belong to, surely one man can hardly control a country where the party in power has to trust their candidates who are under some form obligation to do their parties bidding.
Bermuda is subject of party politics consequently voters are in fact voting party ” with the thirst for power “.
The independent candidate in collaboration with their following would be also under some form of obligation to their voters and associates including the understanting of their voters pressing needs , the candidate is subject ‘to ” the Sword of Damocles( that which hangs over head being supported by a human hair) ” simply because not all people want or expect the same thing.
Could an independant be considered as a loose cannon and there by dilute the election voting procedure ?
Yet in nature , we find that all birds of a kind sing the same tune.
Could it be that the independent candidate when voting on issues could “swing vote” like a pendulum virtually on every issue as the voting public would have need for their chosen one to do the right thing.
How can one person please all, and be subject to the mental agony of the swinging “sword ~~~~~~
When you mentioned power that depend on the will of people the voters who holds that precious trust being the hand that holds the pen , With the exception of those who are over seas seeking further educaton .