The by-election for late Health Minister Nelson Bascome's Pembroke East Central seat will take place on Thursday, August 27.

Neither party has named a candidate for the solid Progressive Labour Party seat which Mr. Bascome won with 87 percent of the vote in the 2007 General Election.

The Minister died from a heart attack on July 14. His widow Shirlene Bascome, the PLP's branch chairperson, has said she wants his replacement to be a "people's person" to reflect Mr. Bascome's reputation as a community worker.

PLP supporters say another key factor could be whether potential candidates back Premier Ewart Brown or not.

An experienced politician who supports the Premier could help fill either Health or Education vacancies in Cabinet, with seasoned backbenchers unwilling to work for Dr. Brown.

Some say Dr. Brown supporters in the Senate could be keen to switch to the House of Assembly. Those named include his cousin Walton Brown, whom constituents say has been canvassing in Pembroke this year; and two of the Premier's most vocal backers Marc Bean and Thaao Dill.

It's also said that Dr. Brown's race relations consultant Rolfe Commissiong, who fought a 'no-hope' seat in Paget West in the last election, would relish the chance to become an MP.

Nomination day is August 13. An open registration period in Constituency 16 runs until 5 p.m. on Tuesday. People who have changed their registration details since the last election can visit the Parliamentary Registry Office in the Valerie T. Scott Building on Reid Street, or its website on www.elections.gov.bm.

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott said: "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 16 to check the current Parliamentary Register to ensure that they and their family are correctly registered."

For more information call the registry office on 293-VOTE or 293-8683.