MP Jamahl Simmons hit out at voting arrangements for Corporation of Hamilton elections in his first speech as an Independent MP on Friday night.

Describing the current system as "the last vestige of land voting," Mr. Simmons, MP for West Pembroke, called for "every person in that city to have a say in that city".

Currently, business owners have one vote each in Corporation elections while residential tenants and owners have one vote per household ? although joint owners of residential properties, such as husband and wives, can have one vote each.

Mr. Simmons told the House of Assembly he would like Government to take a fresh look at the Municipalities Act governing the voting rules, to expand voter eligibility. He told this newspaper after his speech that he would like to see a free vote in the city, and branded the current procedure as undemocratic.

Responding to his remarks, Mayor of Hamilton Sutherland Madeiros said a drive was underway to increase the number of people on the register of voters. But, he said, the current system is not undemocratic.

"If a couple owns a small cottage in the City they get two votes. Bank of Bermuda only gets one vote", he said, by way of explanation.

In a reference to the political controversy Mr. Simmons has been embroiled in since quitting the United Bermuda Party amid race allegations, Mr. Madeiros said: "I think he's probably trying to get some of the heat off himself".

Asked if Mr. Simmons had raised his concerns with City Hall, the Mayor replied: "He's not given us the courtesy of a phone call."

Mr. Madeiros said the allegation that the current system was the last vestige of land voting was an "irresponsible statement," adding that there are no plans to change the arrangements.