Anxious lead-up to today's vote

As PLP contender Marc Bean mourned the loss of his friend and business partner in a road accident, his UBP rival Devrae Noel-Simmons was being rushed to hospital himself, suffering from appendicitis.

Whatever the result tonight, Mr. Bean — who is the firm favourite for victory — won’t be celebrating. The Somerset Eagles president is still coming to terms with the death of his good friend Kirk Simons, who was killed when his bike collided with a taxi in Paget on Saturday morning.

In his only media interview, Mr. Bean told the Bermuda Sun that his friend had been an influential figure in his life and career.

“Kirk was always one that encouraged me in politics. I’m just trying to get through it right now but I know he would want me to keep my mind focused and do what I’ve got to do.”

Mr. Bean’s rival in the UBP, Devrae Noel-Simmons was last night unsure if doctors would allow him to go to the polling booth today.

The former bodybuilder had intended to spend yesterday with a final round of canvassing before greeting voters at St. Mary’s Church Hall from 8am until 8pm.

But he checked into the emergency room at King Edward VII Hospital at 3.30am yesterday suffering a sharp pain in his abdomen.

“It feels like I’ve been kicked in the groin,” he told the Bermuda Sun before going under the surgeon’s knife yesterday.

“I will try and pull some ninja moves to make sure I get there but I have to listen to the docs because they are the experts.

“To be honest the timing sucks, but there is obviously a bigger plan that I don’t know about yet.

“I have to take this on the chin and know that I will come out on top in the end.”

The candidates make their final pitch to constituents