News of a record voter registration proves that the electorate is not apathetic, according to Premier Jennifer Smith.

"Rather they are interested and excited at exercising their rights to this historic election for single seats," she said.

"The public's response to the significance of Bermuda's graduation from dual seat constituencies to one man, one vote, each vote of equal value is clear. This development stands as yet another contribution by the first Progressive Labour Party Government."

This week Parliamentary Registrar Sabrina Phillips reported that 99.1 percent of the Island's eligible voters had registered to vote.

"Based on our record the public will return us. Now I'm pleased to see that they will return us in record numbers," the Premier said.

The Premier congratulated the officers of the Parliamentary Registry as well as the general public and predicted a "massive voter turnout" come election day.

Earlier PLP spokesman Walter Roban said that the news poured cold water on the Opposition United Bermuda Party's (UBP) criticisms of the registration process and also said that the news is a "tribute" to the electorate "who clearly have faith in the process and faith in democracy despite what the media and others have said about voter apathy".

"We had thousands of people go out last week to make sure they registered and here we have the registrar saying we have a near perfect registry."

UBP MP Michael Dunkley shares Mr. Roban's sentiments but cautioned that the revised list was yet to be published.

"I would personally be delighted to see such a high percentage of people registered to vote. That's democracy at work when so many people want to be registered and have the opportunity to vote," he said.

And he praised the Parliamentary Registry for their professionalism.

"I've dealt with the Parliamentary Registry a lot the past couple of weeks. I have to praise them for the way we have been handled. They have been very professional very courteous and it's been a real pleasure to deal with them."

Since the electoral system was reformed the UBP has pushed for a wholesale

registration of voters saying that it will result in a more accurate register and clear up any confusion over electoral reform.

Backed by Government House the Parliamentary Registry decided instead to launch a massive publicity campaign informing people of the new system and their duty to change their particulars if they had moved since their last registration.

The existing voters list was automatically updated with voters being transferred into their new constituencies.

Mr. Dunkley led a campaign to try to show that a number of voters had moved out of his Devonshire district but did not bother to change their registrations as required by law.

"I think that this news pours water over Mr. Dunkley's concerns,Mr. Roban said yesterday.

"I think Mr. Dunkley1s concerns were more in his interests than that of the electorate. It would have been more productive to help people get registered than complaining that people were registered in the wrong place."

"My original comments were made some weeks ago. Since that time a lot of work has been put into registering people. I think the UBP spearheaded getting people registered in the first place," Mr. Dunkley responded.

"However, so far in Devonshire East I have identified about 40 people who are still registered in that constituency but don't live there anymore."

He said he was looking forward to seeing the final list.

People who are wrongly registered and vote, will be subject to a fine after the election, Mr. Dunkley said. "But what happens to their vote ?

"The UBP had been spending a lot of time making sure people were registered to vote. All we see from the PLP is lip service. That's fine - what the UBP wants to concentrate on is the people - make sure their voices are heard and that we understand their concerns."

The voters' list is available in Island post offices and the Parliamentary Registry for public perusal until Thursday. Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Registry. The final voters list for the July 24 poll will be published after Thursday

Registered voters trickled into the General Post Office on Church Street last week get their first glimpse of the revised Parliamentary Register.

One local voter was concerned that some people were registered in constituencies they shouldn't be voting in.

Ora Bainbridge, 62, said: "I quite quickly found two (voters) listed as residents in constituencies where they do not live and that concerns me."

One voter was listed at her mother's house where Ms Bainbridge also resides.

"She once lived there but she doesn't anymore," she said. "I can vouch for that."

Others complained that they had not seen their candidates or did not know who they were.

A Warwick West constituent said no candidates have visited her in six years.

"I haven't seen candidates since before they were elected the last time. I guess we'll see them now," she said.

And Reggie Semos, 64, said he doesn't know who his PLP candidates are.

When asked if any candidates had visited his home, the St. David's resident said: "Visit? We don't even know who they are.

"I know the Premier is saving the best for last, but we'd like a little notice.".