A handful of votes could decide tonight's crunch vote as Premier Alex Scott takes on Progressive Labour Party leadership challenger Ewart Brown.

The secret ballot, of more than 150 delegates and 27 parliamentarians, will take place shortly after 8 p.m.

Mr. Scott said he was "guardedly optimistic" after his leader's address on Wednesday while Mr. Brown said yesterday he was confident.

Ultimately it could come down to who makes the best speech on the night.

One Cabinet minister predicted the Premier would triumph ? by a whisker. He said: "There will be five votes in it."

But Brown backer Wayne Perinchief, who is Minister of National Drug Control, was confident his man would pull through.

He said: "I wouldn't have backed Brown if I didn't think he was going to be PM."

On Wednesday Premier Scott had said both Mr. Perinchief and Environment Minister Randy Horton should consider resigning from Cabinet after going public in support of the challenger.

But Mr. Perinchief declined to comment about the matter yesterday while Mr. Horton did not return a call.

Some PLP stalwarts said the contest was too tight to predict.

Backbench MP Ashfield DeVent said: "I still haven't a clue how it is going to go. It is going to be close.

"We are waiting to hear what Dr. Brown has got to say."

Premier Scott delivered a powerful speech to the delegates on Wednesday night which was greeted warmly.

But Mr. DeVent cautioned: "Generally Bermudians try to be nice about their politics.

"People can say 'you have my support' but when they get to the polling booth they go completely against you.

"I can't wait for it to be decided so we can carry on working for the people."

One senior party insider predicted the Premier had a narrow lead.

"The delegates are traditional. There is a distinct possibility going in there maybe a measure of edge for the incumbent.

"It is going to be fantastic. This is what politics is all about. I can't wait. In Bermuda it's normally quiet but this is spectacular.

"Anything can happen."

If Dr. Brown beats Mr. Scott he will be party leader while Alex Scott will remain Premier until he resigns or he is defeated in a no confidence vote in the House of Assembly.

The resignation must be made to the Governor who would then appoint a new Premier most likely to command the majority of support in the House.

Meanwhile Finance Minister Paula Cox will challenge for the Deputy Leadership although there was no word last night from the Brown camp about whether they will put their own candidate up, although Randy Horton is rumoured to be a likely contender.