Three candidates entered the race for Southampton West Central yesterday.

Independent Raymond Davis, UBP candidate Charlie Swan and PLP contender Marc Bean will battle it out, with the constituency by-election less than one month away.

The December 4 poll follows the resignation of UBP MP Jon Brunson from the seat, which was won by a 142-vote majority in the 2007 General Election.

Yesterday, the three candidates registered their names with two returning officers at Mount Zion AME Church in Southampton.

Independent Mr. Davis was off-Island opening a restaurant in Nova Scotia named the Rock Island Cafe. Representing him was his 24-year-old son and proposer Nhuri Bashir. Mr. Davis' seconder is Rhonda Darrell.

Mr. Bashir said: "He is feeling confident and is looking forward to it."

Mr. Swan, an Opposition Senator, was also feeling confident and arrived with a team of UBP representatives which included Party Leader Kim Swan. His proposer L.M. Simons and seconder Delmonte Davis were not present.

UBP Leader Mr. Swan said he had "strong connections" with the constituency, having grown up in Southampton and having family in the area.

"As Leader of the UBP I'm here to support our candidate. It's a proud day and I'm here to give Charlie support," he said.

The candidate himself revealed a work shirt under his suit jacket bearing the name of his company, Batson Swan Mobile Plumbing and Heating. This prompted former UBP Warwick South East candidate Jeff Sousa to joke: "He's Joe the Plumber", referring to the plumber who became a symbol of aspiring middle-class Americans in the US Presidential election campaign.

Mr. Swan said: "People who know me will know I'm always accessible. I want people to know that my focus is entirely on the constituency and that I am available 24/7, 365 days a year."

He said: "It may be a battle for the seat, it may not, but I'm looking forward to the coming month."

Government Senator Mr. Bean was accompanied by his proposer Lisa Quinn-Brown, seconder Richard Quinn and Southampton East Central PLP MP Zane DeSilva.

Mr. Bean said: "It's quite possible that this will be a tight election. If the voters choose me as their representative, I pledge to be honourable and integrable, serving all their needs with no partiality or bias, wherever they live in the constituency.

"In politics, especially now in Bermuda, there's a burning desire for someone to step forward who people can trust and who can deliver. I am sure my candidacy will be as effective as possible."

One of the returning officers, Bryant Richards, said: "This by-election might be a little bit different. With independent Raymond Davis running, it may make it a tight election, so it could be an interesting one."