The Ministry for the Cabinet Office today reaffirmed the Government’s Election Platform commitment to introducing absentee voting through a comprehensive process of electoral reform and has invited the Opposition to join in developing a unified and responsible approach.
The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, The Hon. Diallo V. Rabain, JP, MP, confirmed that he has written to the Leader of the Opposition last week, formally requesting the withdrawal of the Opposition’s Absentee Voting Bill 2025 to allow for collaborative work on a bipartisan bill that is inclusive, secure, fair, and sustainable.
"Ensuring that every eligible Bermudian Student who wishes to vote can do so, no matter where they are, is a principle we fully support and why Electoral Reform was in our election platform," said Minister Rabain
He added, "When we make changes to how Bermudians vote, we must do so in a way that is carefully researched, well-designed, and built to last. This means working closely with the Parliamentary Registrar, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the public to ensure the process is both inclusive and secure."
The Attorney General’s Chambers has reviewed the Opposition’s proposal and identified several legal and operational concerns, including potential conflicts with existing election law and the absence of administrative procedures that would ensure proper implementation. The Minister emphasized that the Parliamentary Registrar, whose office would have to carry out the work, was not adequately consulted before the Opposition’s Bill was tabled.
"Introducing absentee voting is not something that can be rushed," Minister Rabain stated. "Our responsibility is to strengthen democracy. We are already doing the work to deliver Electoral Reform, which will include absentee voting the right way through consultation, planning, and sound administration."
The Government had begun engagement with the Parliamentary Registrar prior to the OBA’s bill being tabled and, more recently, with young Bermudians studying overseas, and broader consultations with the public and political stakeholders will follow in the coming weeks.
Minister Rabain confirmed that the Government’s goal is clear - Broader Electoral Reform, including Absentee voting, will be in place by September 2026.
He also underscored that absentee voting is part of a much broader effort to modernise Bermuda’s democratic processes through comprehensive electoral reform. This broader reform agenda will include:
- Implementing absentee voting for Bermudian students overseas,
- Establishing clear and transparent standards for political parties and campaign financing,
- Keeping the voters’ rolls accurate, private, and transparent,
- Embracing practical modernisation of the electoral systems and technology, and
- Setting consistent and fair rules for polling day administration.
"Our goal is to modernize Bermuda’s elections in a way that enhances participation and trust," Minister Rabain said. "We have reached out to the Opposition to be part of this process, because electoral reform should not be partisan or rushed. Every political party in Bermuda agrees that absentee voting for our young people studying overseas must happen. We have an opportunity to combine our collective expertise and deliver a system that works for everyone."