Diallo Rabain and Andrew Simons, the two candidates running to represent Devonshire North Central, have taken the last plunge by submitting their nominations.

No other hopefuls threw their hats in the ring yesterday at the polling both at the National Sports Stadium.

The final formality before the by-election came with sacrifices for both candidates.

Mr Rabain, of the Progressive Labour Party, had to step down as Opposition Leader in the Senate, while One Bermuda Alliance candidate Andrew Simons quit the post of acting captain in the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

“Submitting my resignation effective Tuesday, January 19, as Opposition Senate Leader was bittersweet, as I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the people and my country in this capacity,” Mr Rabain said.

“I have wonderful memories of the past five years serving with great parliamentary colleagues. I do look forward, however, to being successful in the upcoming Devonshire North Central by-election, and becoming part of the debate in the House of Assembly.”

Mr Rabain said his mantra had always been “to serve my community”.

Mr Simons, who had to leave the Regiment when he canvassed for a seat in the 2012 General Election, also described the occasion as “bittersweet”.

He joined the service in the 2008 recruit camp and was commissioned in 2009.

“When you go in front of the promotions board, you make a commitment to return five years of service to the country.

“I said if I was not successful in the election I would return, and I did just that.

“I felt I should honour that commitment. I still have a lot to learn from my troops.”

Mr Simons was embodied for Hurricane Joaquin, and promoted to acting captain in December.

“I was supposed to be serving in the recruit camp right now. Last night I would have been shivering along with the troops during the first overnight exercise. But I sent in the letter to the Regiment on Monday.”

The voters of Constituency 13 will select their representative for Parliament on February 4.