The general election campaign is finally over and now the decision over who will form the next government of Bermuda lies with the voters.

The most important thing today is not which party has the best candidates or the most perfect platform. The most important thing today is that Bermudians vote and use this opportunity to exercise their hard-won democratic freedom.

It is a cliche to say that those who do not vote have no right to complain for the next five or so years. That is not entirely correct, since some voters may choose to spoil their ballots, or may not be able to vote for reasons out of their control, especially without an absentee ballot. But everyone who is able to vote today should do so.

This is the people's opportunity to redeem what has been one of the longest and nastiest campaigns fought in living memory.

For all of the high flown talk, this election has tended not to be about issues, but about personalities. The smears and character assassinations have not reflected well on this community. We have said it here before and repeat it here; the Progressive Labour Party has been the worst offender in this regard.

Voters need to take the style of campaigns into account. It does not give a perfectly accurate prediction of how a government performs if elected, but it is a useful indicator.

Voters also need to take into account the candidates put forward as well. Experience, energy, idealism, management experience and trust and honesty all play a part in determining the best candidate, and it is fair to say that trust has been a major question in this election.

Certainly the trustworthiness of certain PLP candidates has been examined. Equally, the United Bermuda Party has been tested over whether it is a white-dominated, establishment-led party or of it has broadened into a more pluralistic party. Today the voters need to give their verdict.

The party platforms are important as well. They give the best indication of what a party will do once in power. As has been stated before, the UBP's platform is more far-reaching and detailed. The PLP has tended to run on its record as is often the case with incumbents, apart from two or three exciting sounding but vague and mostly uncosted proposals.

In the end, voters will have to decide whether the UBP has changed enough to earn a return to power or, conversely, if the PLP has done enough in its nine years in power to deserve a third term.

Bermuda has a long and proud tradition of cleanly conducted polling and wide acceptance of election results. Whoever wins this election should be given the chance to govern. The people will have spoken and their choice must be respected.