Premier Paula Cox today announced a by-election will be held on December 15 to fill former Premier Ewart Brown’s Warwick seat.

And the Bermuda Democratic Alliance held a press conference this morning where it named Sylvan Richards Jr. as its candidate for Warwick South Central.

The United Bermuda Party is yet to state who it will run as a challenger in the Progressive Labour Party stronghold.

Former Senator Marc Bean is to run for the PLP in Constituency 26, where Dr. Brown was a long-serving MP until last month.

Mr. Richards, who works in insurance, hopes to hold Government accountable if elected, particularly when it comes of overspending.

He said today that a change in Bermuda’s politics was needed.

“The good, hardworking people of constituency 26 deserve integrity, transparency and accountability from their elected representative,” he said.

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

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott advised eligible voters there is a seven-day open registration period beginning tomorrow.

Individuals who may have changed their registration details since the December 18, 2007 General Election should visit www.elections.gov.bm to update their information.

"If eligible voters have changed their name or address since the 2007 General Election, and have not registered their changes with us, they may be challenged at the polling station. It is important for those individuals who reside in Constituency 26 to check the current Parliamentary Register to ensure that they and their family are correctly registered," Mr. Scott said.

For the full story read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.