Political pundits are agreed – the two independents running in the election stand little chance of being elected but could act as a spoiler for one of the other parties.

Bermuda Housing Corporation whistleblower Harold Darrell is running in Pembroke Central where the UBP are hoping Austin Warner can overturn Cabinet Minister Wayne Perinchief's slim 75-vote majority.

And in neighbouring Pembroke West Central, where the PLP's Neletha Butterfield is defending a comfortable 271-vote majority against UBP challenger Marilyn Steede, independent Roger Russell is also on the ballot.

Former National Liberal Party leader Charles Jeffers said Mr. Darrell's election bid may give disenchanted PLP voters having someone to back.

"There are people who are very, very concerned about the whole issue of credibility (of the Government). I don't see Harold Darrell getting a whole lot of UBP support. He may just win enough votes to tip it in the direction of Warner."

He said Roger Russell had an uphill struggle against Cabinet Minister Neletha Butterfield but could well pull votes from the UBP.

He said: "Marilyn Steede is a nice girl but I would not call her a political heavyweight. He could get some UBP votes.

"He was affiliated with the UBP some time back. He might get some UBP and PLP supporters but it will be very difficult to win."

Jamahl Simmons, who is retiring as a Progressive Labour Party MP, predicted Roger Russell could be a threat to at least one of the parties.

"He's an interesting candidate. He ran for the NLP in Pembroke West in the 1980s and, I believe, took more votes than the PLP candidate.

"He's a tough little guy, works hard and knows how to canvass – he's very experienced, very knowledgable about the issues and is very politically savvy."

But Mr. Simmons said it was very difficult for independent candidates, unless they have a platform or a strong case, to get elected.

But he said Harold Darrell's bid will harm the UBP's chances of taking neighbouring Pembroke Central which is high on its target list if it is to regain power.

He said: "My sense is Harold Darrell will hurt the UBP more than the PLP.

"I think he's one for those who are fed up with the PLP but can't vote for the UBP. He could get UBP votes for the stand he took in getting that file out into the public eye."

One UBP insider predicted Mr. Darrell would only pick up votes from those who didn't normally back either party with the end result meaning Mr. Perinchief would retain the seat.