The Free Democratic Movement has urged the Government and Governor to consider postponing the upcoming General Election in the face of a hurricane.

Marc Bean, the FDM leader, said efforts must be made to mitigate any potential impact caused by Tropical Strom Paulette, which is expected to make hit Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane on Monday.

Mr Bean said in a statement: “This contingency plan should consider all arrangements that may arise in the aftermath of a hurricane crisis, including the uncertainty of advanced polling during the week of September 14, the complexity of the pandemic conditions for canvassing, the return to school, the disaster recovery process and the limited time frame of the existing election date of October 1.

“FDM is extremely concerned that voters could be denied the opportunity for a fair and balanced election where all points of view can be properly deliberated.

“Given the immediate feedback from potential voters and the prevailing uncertainty of the emergency preparations, FDM believes it is more than reasonable to consider postponing the General Election date in order to give the candidates and the people of Bermuda a property time frame to exercise their right to vote.”

The Government announced this afternoon that there would be no advanced polls on Monday or Tuesday.

The Parliamentary Registry Office will release details about the resumption of advanced polling once the polling stations are evaluated after the storm.