The United Bermuda Party has released a poll showing it has a slim lead heading towards election day – in contrast to an independent poll showing the Progressive Labour Party riding higher in terms of public opinion.

A Profiles of Bermuda commissioned by The Royal Gazette yesterday showed 45.3 support for Government compared to 31.8 percent backing for the Opposition, with 12.1 percent still undecided and 1.7 percent not voting.

The UBP poll conducted by internationally recognised firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates by the United Bermuda Party put the ratings at 41 percent in favour of the UBP, 39 percent for the PLP, four percent for other candidates and 15 percent undecided.

That poll of 401 adults was conducted on December 5. Both polls had margins of error of 4.9 percent. It also showed Opposition leader Michael Dunkley viewed favorably by 64 percent of voters – up two percent since the last United Bermuda Party poll two weeks ago – with Premier Ewart Brown on 54 percent.

When asked to describe what came closer to expressing their feelings about the election, 49 percent said they felt it was "time for a change" compared to 42 percent who said: "The PLP deserves another chance".

United Bermuda Party chairman Shawn Crockwell said: "Once again, the polls show the United Bermuda party has a slim lead over the Progressive Labour Party.

"There is still a large undecided vote and over the next week, we will continue to spread our message of change to the people of Bermuda."