double header.

For the time-frame for the Pembroke West and Hamilton East by-elections makes it impossible to squeeze in the polls before the House of Assembly returns for the new session on February 6.

The news came after would-be United Bermuda Party MP Wayne Soares dropped out of the primary battle against ex-Senate leader Gary Pitman for the Pembroke West seat because under UBP rules he was time-barred from standing in the January 23 primary contest. That leaves the way clear for Mr. Pitman to avoid a primary and go straight into a campaign against Progressive Labour Party challenger Rodney Smith.

Bermuda Telephone Company manager Francis Furbert has already been announced as the sole UBP nominee for the Hamilton East fight against Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, who will stand for the PLP.

Ms Gordon could not be contacted last night.

But it is understood the Premier, even with a Pembroke West primary avoided, is set to opt for a double by-election date just before the Budget, due to be unveiled on February 18.

Both seats require an official nomination day and an advance poll and there are legal requirements on time-gaps which make an election before the House resumes impossible.

The Constitution, however, also rules that by-elections must be held within two months of the sitting MPs resigning.

Pembroke West MP and Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira and former Progressive Labour MP turned Independent Rev. Trevor Woolridge both officially resigned on December 31 last year -- meaning elections must be held by February 28 at the latest.

A PLP win in Pembroke West, regarded as a UBP stronghold, would be well against the odds.

But the UBP's Mr. Furbert, who has stood in the same constituency several times, is hoping to mount a strong challenge in the seesaw seat of Hamilton East -- which has had National Liberal Party, UBP and PLP MPs in recent times -- against relative political newcomer Mr. Burgess.

Mr. Pitman and Mr. Soares had both been conducting primary canvassing -- which requires different tactics -- in expectation of the primary.

By-election date touted Mr. Smith, however, has been free to begin his by-election campaign because of the PLP's centralised candidate selection methods.

And it is believed the Premier will want to allow enough time for Mr. Pitman and Mr. Furbert to get their by-election battlewagons rolling at full speed.

Mr. Soares was ruled ineligible after it was reported in The Royal Gazette that he did not fit in around the UBP's rules on length of party membership and qualification for primaries.

Mr. Pitman declined to comment on controversy surrounding Mr. Soares' bid for Pembroke West.

But he added: "I understand that Wayne Soares is now an approved candidate.

"I'm pleased about that and I look forward to working with him in the caucus.''