“Since the tabling of the OBA’s Absentee Voting Act 2025, the Government reached out to the Opposition in writing and offered to sit and discuss the Bill. From the outset, we said clearly that we support absentee voting for students studying off-island. At the same time, we were equally clear that the Bill, as submitted, was not workable and could not be fixed through amendments on the floor of the House.”

“Unfortunately, the OBA chose not to sit down and discuss the Bill and instead decided to press ahead with it.

“The Bill was ultimately found not to meet the requirements necessary for it to proceed under the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly. That outcome did not change our position. The Government has already committed, in our election manifesto, to introducing absentee voting for students as part of a wider programme of electoral reform. That reform must, and will, include input from the people of Bermuda.

“The door remains open for the OBA to take part in that work. Electoral reform, including absentee voting, is not something that should be done by one party acting alone. It requires bipartisan engagement and serious policy development if we are going to change how our elections are governed.

“The Government will continue to move forward in the right order: listening to the public, engaging stakeholders, and developing clear policy before bringing legislation to the House. Bermudians will continue to have a voice in that process.

“Our democracy deserves careful work and good faith, not rushed gestures.”