The Progressive Labour Party last night delayed making the expected announcement of its candidate to fight the Pembroke West by-election.

Party officials left a Central Committee meeting at PLP headquarters in Alaska Hall last night without revealing the identity of the candidate.

PLP public relations officer Glenn Blakeney last week said that the Pembroke branch had selected the candidate and his or her name would be revealed after the Central Committee had approved it, which he said was a “formality”.

After last night's meeting, Mr. Blakeney said: “We are still under embargo. I can say that an announcement is imminent from the Premier and that the Press will be the first to know.”

Premier Jennifer Smith said after the meeting: “When an announcement is to be made, we will let you know. We can't make an announcement without telling you.”

When asked if the Central Committee confirmed the candidate at the meeting, she said: “I have no comment on that.”

The United Bermuda Party has selected Jahmal Simmons to fight the by-election on February 6, which was caused by the announcement of sitting UBP MP Gary Pitman last month that he was stepping down.

In the 1998 general election, the UBP incumbents Erwin Adderley and Mr. Pitman coasted home, with 821 votes and 800 respectively.

PLP candidate Carvel Vanputten put in a strong performance with 521 votes, while Independent candidate Phil Perinchief trailed last with 324.

The PLP's other candidate, Rodney Smith, pulled out before the election following a housing controversy, but Mr. Vanputten declared after the vote that Pembroke West was no longer a UBP stronghold.

Today is the last day for voters to check that their names are on the parliamentary register and to object to ineligible people who may appear on the electoral roll.

The nomination deadline for candidates is next Tuesday and so far there has been no sign that the National Liberal Party will field a contender.

Government Information Services said yesterday that the poll will be held at West Pembroke School on North Shore Road and not, as previously announced, at Admiralty House Ballroom.