CITV is to broadcast the general election live on the Internet today, enabling Bermudians all over the world to keep up-to-date with the results.

The CITV website is launching live video-streaming to bring in the action in real-time. Meanwhile, the Government television station will also broadcast the results, as well as commentary from political pundits from both parties.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown made the announcement yesterday, accompanied by Minister of Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Neletha Butterfield. Director of Communication and Information, Beverle Lottimore, was also present.

Dr. Brown said: "CITV has been on the air now for a little over two-and-half months. And I'm pleased to say the feedback from the community has been nothing short of outstanding. Today, I've asked you here to highlight another significant milestone for our Government television station - the official launch of live video-streaming from the CITV website.

"The unveiling of this feature means that this Government, the services it provides for its people, Bermuda's culture and its heritage can now be seen by a greater number of people locally… and, and this is most significant, by thousands of Bermudians living abroad.

"This achievement is especially timely because tomorrow, Bermudians will go to the polls to vote in a critically important general election. And CITV will cover it with local live coverage and commentary on television, while simultaneously providing global coverage on the CITV website.

"So, from the Caribbean to North America; from the UK across Europe, or from the comfort of your desktop computer - at the click of a mouse, Bermuda and the 2007 general election will be live for all to see - thanks to CITV website video-streaming.

"Finally, before I acknowledge the talented people who have gotten us this far, I just want to take a minute to remind the public about CITV's mission. The reality is: CITV has lived up to its promise of engaging the public more directly so you can get straight, unfiltered facts about your Government and what it does on behalf of the people.

"CITV has remained true to its mission of providing a diverse and stimulating mix of programming aimed at demystifying the complexities of Government. It has stayed true to presenting programmes that reflect the cultural values of the community it serves.

"It has filled that much-needed void of teaching Bermudians about a history that is not regularly taught in our schools. It has revealed our Bermudian pioneers, our Bermudian heroes and the significant contributions they've made in shaping the Bermuda we know today."

Dr. Brown said the television station was also training Bermuda College and CedarBridge Academy students in broadcasting skills, as interns and floor crew.

He added: "It is with great pride and pleasure that I stand here to launch this latest initiative, linking those at home and those abroad to our history, our culture, our people and our Government."

The Premier admitted to the Press conference that he found current coverage of local history and culture lacking on the Island's commercial stations.

"We feel CITV does fill a void," said Dr. Brown. "As a society we have not taught ourselves enough about ourselves.

"I feel this does represent a challenge which does not forbid or preclude other television stations from showing this type of programming."

The Premier added: "We've seen the Opposition make use of CITV and that's a good sign. It was thought at the launch of CITV that it would simply be an outlet for propaganda but the station has shown it is objective."

Minister of Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Ms Butterfield, said the launch of the live video-streaming would mean "Bermudians and those with an interest in Bermuda will be able to tune-in 24 hours a day to catch the latest programmes on CITV".

She said: "Until now, CITV has only been available to Bermuda residents who have access to cable television. While this service reaches a majority of Bermudians, by taking CITV live on the Internet, we will be able to reach anyone, anywhere in the world.

"Students studying abroad and even people planning their vacations will be able to tune in and learn more about our beautiful Island home."

CITV will broadcast election commentary from both PLP and UBP political pundits from 7 p.m. An hour later, the station will bring live coverage from the polls. There will also be a historical perspective on the Island's general elections included in the programming.

To access the footage, go to: www.gov.bm or direct to www.citv.gov.bm