With general election called for December 17, business and community groups alike welcomed the close of a lengthy guessing game.Bermuda Chamber of Commerce President Ronnie Viera spoke for many when he told The Royal Gazette: “Businesses do not like uncertainty — so from the Chamber’s perspective, it is good that there is now a date.”However, the December 17 general election has retail members “concerned”.“A December election has in the past negatively affected sales, during what is their most important season,” Mr Viera said.For Mr Viera, the top election issue was “clearly the economy”.“Many who are old enough will remember the now famous 1992 Clinton Campaign slogan of ‘it’s the economy, stupid’.“The next Government must have policies and a clear plan to stimulate activity across the entire spectrum of the economy. This will be no easy task.“The next most important issue is tackling the growing Government debt. The debt, specifically the paying down of the principle, will become, after the economy begins to improve, the most significant issue facing us all over the next several years.”He said the two issues separate next month’s impending election from all predecessors.“The next Government will not be able to do it on their own, so regardless of which party forms the next Government, they must put the economy at the very top of the agenda and bring business leaders to the table to help with developing a plan.”Richard Winchell, executive director of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, said ABIC was “pleased an election has been called”, adding: “Business thrives in an environment of certainty. After the election we look forward to continuing to work to make Bermuda the preferred domicile.”The calling of the election came as no surprise to Leila Madeiros, senior vice president of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR).“We understand that constitutionally an election would have to be called, so we view this as the normal course for a democracy,” she said, adding that there was “a host of issues in which ABIR will remain keenly interested”.ABIR contributes “nearly $1 billion annually to the local economy”, she said, adding: “Two thirds of our employees here are Bermudians” — indicating how much the group has at stake in the Island’s future.Charities and social agencies are under extra pressure as the recession persists, said Pamela Barit Nolan of the Centre on Philanthropy.“Elections are obviously key for the whole island — the Third Sector will continue to do its work though as needs continue to mount.”New social programmes — and their associated budgets — will be watched very closely, she added.“The Third Sector is interested in open dialogue regarding programmes and services to ensure that Government and the Third Sector are not duplicating services.”Regardless of which side prevails in the election, Ms Barit Nolan said her organisation hoped to see the responsibilities for charities “settle into one Ministry and remain there for a period of time, allowing strong relationships to develop”.“Historically the responsibility for charities has bounced from Ministry to Ministry,” she said.The economy must be a priority — but “so must our people”, said Nicola Feldman, executive director of the Coalition for the Protection of Children.“Social and economic issues need to be addressed equally,” she said of her group’s election priorities, which lie squarely with “those who are struggling in Bermuda”.“We hope that once the election is over, we can get to work once again in seeking the necessary policies to address the serious social issues we face. For our organisation, there are certain areas that must be a priority for the incoming government.“Some of these issues include ensuring we have an adequate social safety net for our families, addressing the problem of unpaid child support payments, establishing a more concrete definition of child abuse, stopping incarceration for unpaid debts and making our juvenile justice and school discipline systems more restorative so that young offenders and those involved with antisocial behaviour have a greater support in seeking more productive lifestyles.”US Consul Adam Vogelzang voiced his country’s support for “democracy as demonstrated by free and fair elections”.“The United States will continue to work with the Government of Bermuda on matters of mutual interest no matter which party voters choose,” he said.