Nomination Day for the Pembroke East by-election went off without a hitch yesterday, according to Parliamentary Registrar Sabrina Phillips.

But there was a surprise candidate - Dennis Bean, who, with Ashfield De Vent and Leonard Santucci, will be contesting the poll to replace the late David Allen as an independent.

"I finally made a decision this weekend," Mr. Bean said, adding that he had been thinking about it for "quite a while".

The born again Christian who drives a taxi for a living, described himself as a "Christian activist".

"Sometimes you tell people what they need to fix things and it may not necessarily be their top priority," he said.

He predicted that there will be several people in the near future who will be running as independents.

"The climate is such - the door is wide open for the independent speaker.

"A lot of people don't want people to think on their own and make decisions for themselves."

Mrs. Phillips said Mr. Bean completed his proceedings some five or ten minutes before the closing of the nomination period.

She said she was not aware of reports that Ashfield De Vent, the Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) candidate, did not have his papers in order.

"The Returning Officers returned to my office and didn't indicate there were any problems."

Mr.De Vent had paid his $250 fee the day before.

"So if there was an issue with his papers I am not aware of it."

Mr. De Vent said he did have to send home for a document to complete the process.

"I'm ready to get it on.

"It's official now and by the time November 26 comes around I want to have touched as many people as possible."

He was accompanied to the polling station by his proposer and primary school teacher Aurelia Burch, Premier Jennifer Smith, Sen. David Burch and the party's media relations officer Glenn Blakeney.

"I'm glad to see in the new Bermuda more people would participate in the process," he said when asked his reaction to Dennis Bean's appearance.

"In time more people would be willing to stand up and participate because some of the fear factor under the previous Government would have dissipated.

"But I would like to stress that as a candidate for the Government, and a Government that delivers, I'm confident that the electorate is astute enough and intelligent enough to realise that as a candidate for the Progressive Labour Party I am the one best able to address their needs."

He added : "The United Bermuda Party for 30 years failed to deliver as Government, particularly on social issues so I don't think there's much they can do now that they are in Opposition...

"When they had the power to make changes they didn't."

Leonard Santucci, who has resigned his Senate seat in order to contest the election, was accompanied to the polling station by a team of supporters including MPs Jamahl Simmons, Erwin Adderley, and Kim Young as well as Joan Lindo, the United Bermuda Party's regional chairperson for Pembroke.

"I feel great, I am ready to continue the process.

"I look forward with great anticipation and hope that I might be given the opportunity to represent the constituency in the House of Assembly," Rev. Santucci said.

He described the appearance of the third candidate as a "welcome surprise".

"I believe that people should offer themselves for political service."

The poll takes place November 26 at St. Paul's Centennial Hall on Court Street.

Mrs. Phillips reminded the public yesterday that advanced polling, for incapacitated voters or those who plan to be off the Island on that date, will take place on November 19 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Registered voters should have correct identification, which can include a voter's identification card, Commonwealth passport, a Special Persons card or a Bermuda driver's license.