They are being urged to contribute to a fund designed to help the African National Congress' efforts in the elections.

An appeal for funds was launched by the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Union president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP said: "In the US this is a national campaign being conducted to assist Mandela's ANC party in getting people out to register and to vote.

"This is the very first time millions of people are going to have a chance to vote. One of the problems is that they need to educate people and provide transportation.'' The appeal was urgent because the elections were due on April 27 and 28, he said.

The BIU credit union had opened a special account for donations to the campaign, called the Mandela Freedom Fund.

"We ask each Bermudian who has an interest in fair elections and a democratic South Africa to contribute,'' he said.

The appeal had a target of at least $20 per head, but anything that donors could afford would be welcome.