A total of four candidates will fight two crucial by-election battles in a fortnight's time.

Pembroke West will see ex-Government Senate leader Gary Pitman take on developer Rodney Smith for the Progressive Labour Party.

And in Hamilton East, Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess (PLP), will contest the seat against Bermuda Telephone Company executive Francis Furbert, standing for the ruling United Bermuda Party.

Mr. Smith raised the PLP's showing in Pembroke West slightly when he contested last year's by-election caused by the resignation of then-Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer -- but it would take a miracle for him to win the seat at this showing.

Hamilton East, however -- a seat which has swung between the parties much more -- is a much more intriguing prospect, with the UBP pulling out all the stops in pre-poll canvassing.

The contest -- in a General Election year -- will provide an important barometer of public opinion for both parties.

Mr. Burgess, who was a losing candidate in the same seat before, will have a tough battle on his hands as the PLP need to win convincingly. The UBP, however, are scenting blood following controversy surrounding Rev. Trevor Woolridge and Mr. Furbert, who has also fought the seat before, will be looking to end up with a credible showing, if not a victory.

Nomination day was yesterday, with all four candidates filing their official papers with the Registrar General.

Voters will go to the polls in both constituencies on February 24 to select their new representatives for the House of Assembly.