A by-election for the Warwick South Central seat left vacant by former Premier Ewart Brown will take place on December 15.

And yesterday two of the candidates vying to win told the media why they should become MP for constituency 26.

Bermuda Democratic Alliance named its candidate as Sylvan Richards Jr. at an outdoor press conference at the Rubber Tree in Warwick.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Labour Party held a press conference at Alaska Hall to officially unveil Marc Bean as its candidate; the former senator was elected by the local branch on August 31, as previously reported. Mr. Richards, 51, told reporters he would hold Government accountable as an MP, particularly in relation to overspending, and would "demand transparency, integrity and accountability from myself and all of our elected officials, regardless of party affiliation".

Mr. Bean, 36, said he would represent every single voter in the constituency and would be committed to the "higher tone" set for the country by new Premier Paula Cox.

The December 15 by-election will be the first electoral test of Ms Cox's premiership and yesterday she said the date was chosen to allow students returning home from overseas for Christmas to vote.

"We are not going to get all students that may be returning [but] we wanted to push it as late as we can without interfering with people who may be travelling throughout the Christmas season," she said.

She described Mr. Bean as "young, gifted and qualified" and passionate about his country. "He is committed; he has convictions. He loves his country and he loves his PLP."

Mr. Bean, a qualified commercial pilot and former Junior Minister who currently works for his family's fishing, farming and transport business, said: "What I have noticed as I have been canvassing is a tremendous amount of love at the doorstep. I also noticed that constituency 26 is very family-orientated."

He said area residents had the same key concerns as other Bermudians — the economy, crime and education — and that the solutions lay within each household.

"We have had a new change of leadership with Madame Premier now assuming the reins," he said. "She has set a new tone, a higher tone for the country."

BDA candidate Mr. Richards, who works in insurance, said a change in Bermuda's politics was needed.

"External forces that are reshaping our economy demand new Bermudian leaders, who put people and doing what is right over party politics," he said.

"All of our citizens, especially young Bermudians, who are the future of this country, are looking for something to believe in again.

"They need hope. Our people need jobs, security in our neighbourhoods and a sound, rigorous educational system that will prepare our young people to compete on a global level."

He said he had been a supporter of Dr. Brown — who stepped down as Premier and MP last month — but grew disillusioned by decisions he made.

United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan said his party had chosen its candidate for Warwick South Central and would announce the name shortly.

Party chairman Jeanne Atherden has been cited as a possibility, along with Roderick Simons, who lost out on the seat to Dr. Brown in 2007.

Parliamentary registrar Randy Scott advised eligible voters in constituency 26 to check their registration details and make any necessary changes before 5 p.m. on November 15.

• Registration forms are at post offices and Police stations and details can also be changed online at www.elections.gov.bm or in person at the Parliamentary Registry Office in the Valerie T. Scott Building, Reid Street. The office is on 293-VOTE.