The battle for Sandys South will be a head-to-head race between the One Bermuda Alliance and Progressive Labour Party.

Jamahl Simmons and Georgia Marshall presented their nomination papers to the returning officer yesterday at 11am.

Mr Simmons and Ms Marshall were the only candidates to attend the Somers Isles Lodge in Sandys to confirm their candidacy.

Mr Simmons was accompanied by his wife, Sherri, as well as his parents, Lionel Simmons and Cecille Snaith-Simmons, and Marc Bean, the Opposition Leader.

Mr Simmons described his work canvassing in the community as “like a homecoming”.

He said: “I know the constituency very well and I already know many of the constituents.

“I have now moved back in with my parents in Sandys so that I am able to see each voter personally in the build- up to the by-election.

“This whole experience has been very positive.

“I feel a great sense of pride in what I am doing and speaking with the constituents of Sandys South.

“I want people to be aware that if I am elected, I will be a full-time MP and will be available to constituents at all times.

“I am not going to be a seat-warmer.

“The constituents of Sandys South will know that I am working for them.”

Meanwhile, Ms Marshall was supported by her husband, Tim, Craig Cannonier, the former Premier and now a backbench MP, and OBA party member Toni Daniels.

Ms Marshall said that she was “humbled” to run for office in Sandys South.

She told The Royal Gazette: “I’m very excited and can’t wait to continue the process I have started.

“This is our opportunity to create an amazing constituency and I am looking forward to being part of that process.

“What people want is a candidate that will work hard for them and listen to what the people believe are the issues.

“Anyone who knows me knows how hard I work and how determined I am.”

Ms Marshall added: “My focus is on introducing myself to my constituents, talking with them, hearing their concerns and acting on those concerns.

“Every afternoon and night, I am graciously invited into the homes of the constituents and my time is spent engaged in discussions about jobs, opportunities for our children, improving White Hill Field, coming together as a neighbourhood and getting things done.”

Sandys South has previously been served by Terry Lister, who recently announced his retirement from politics, thus creating the vacancy in the constituency.

Mr Lister won the seat as a PLP candidate in 1998, but then became an Independent MP in February 2013.

The by-election for Sandys South will take place on November 18.

Mr Bean said the by-election could have significant consequences for Bermuda. “Every by-election is important,” he said.

“The previous MP for Sandys South decided to go Independent.

“This is an opportunity to restore the balance and restore the democracy.

“But even if we [the PLP] get this seat back, there is still unfinished business.

“A two-seat majority in the House of Assembly would make it extremely difficult for the Government.”