The absence of public debate between the leaders of the island’s political parties is “inexcusable” as election day looms, Opposition leader David Burt said.

“There is still time for the people of this country to hear from their leaders,” Mr Burt added, maintaining that the opening of advance polling should not hold back debate.

The Progressive Labour Party had sent a letter to the One Bermuda Alliance calling for a debate on Monday, just ahead of advance polling, but Mr Burt said he expected “only about 2 per cent” of votes would be cast early, with the great majority on election day itself.

With memes and unattributed political statements circulating furiously via social media, Mr Burt said that if the public wished to inform themselves of the views and visions of the parties, they should “look at what has come out officially”.

However, Mr Burt said the public was wearying of press statements and counter statements — also accusing Michael Dunkley, the Premier, of employing “scare tactics” that were “beneath his office” in party statements.

A PLP government, he said, would commit to having major public issues discussed in public forums, including debates before a General Election.

“Our public discourse does not do enough to enlighten voters,” Mr Burt added.

Over the weekend the two parties were unable to commit to the terms of a debate.

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