The Pembroke West by-election to replace Gary Pitman who resigned the seat in December, will be held February 6 at the Admiralty House Ballroom in Pembroke West.

As yet neither of the Island's political parties have announced their candidates. The United Bermuda Party (UBP) is, however, on the verge of completing its candidate selection process.

According to campaign chairman, David Sullivan, about a dozen people have expressed their interest in representing the constituents of Pembroke West under the UBP banner and a shortlist of three potential candidates has emerged.

The poll was made necessary by the December 17 resignation of Gary Pitman.

New UBP rules have done away with the need for primaries when vacancies occur under such circumstances.

Nine people - five representing the branch and four from the central campaign committee - will pick the candidate.

So far between ten and 12 people had been interviewed by the group, Mr. Sullivan said.

The final selection will be made by secret ballot at a meeting tonight.

Scott Pearman, branch chairman of the ruling Progressive Labour Party's Pembroke West branch said he had no information for the public by Press time yesterday.

The National Liberal Party's, Graeme Outerbridge, confirmed that they had not yet selected a candidate.

The Parliamentary Registrar announced the poll date in the official gazette yesterday.

Nomination Day is January 22 and voters must be registered by January 15.

Bermuda's Constitution stipulates that the poll must be held by February 17 - 60 days after the vacancy occurs - but giving at least 28 days notice.

Advance polling must take place seven days before the polling date, and nomination day is seven days before the advance poll.

Under new registration rules voters need not reregister unless they have changed their name or recently moved into the constituency.

Travellers and the incapacitated can cast their votes on January 30 which has been set for the advance poll.