election is expected to be decided, The Royal Gazette today looks at Hamilton West.

"Every vote counts'' is a political truism. But in Hamilton West, held twice by each party since 1980 and considered critical to both, it is no cliche.

In 1989, when Hamilton West voted out two United Bermuda Party incumbents and elected the Progressive Labour Party's Mr. Julian Hall and Mr. Eugene Blakeney, only 28 votes separated Mr. Hall, in first place, from the Hon. Sen.

Maxwell Burgess, in last.

PLP campaign co-chairman Mr. Terry Lister concedes Hamilton West represents "probably the only seats that we hold where we would be concerned''.

And with only 1,293 registered voters -- about half as many as Warwick East -- Hamilton West is one of the first constituencies to report final vote tallies.

Its results will provide an early idea of how the two major parties are faring on election night.

National issues tend to dominate in this constituency, which with a 71 percent black population is representative of the whole Island.

As well as proof of party and candidate preference, the vote in Hamilton West will test the PLP and UBP election machines. With the margin of victory likely to be slim, the edge goes to the party that gets its supporters to the polls.

In 1989, voter turnout in Hamilton West was a strong 80 percent. The National Liberal Party has not traditionally contested the seats, but architect Mr.

Andrew Outerbridge may enter the race this time.

As Mr. Hall and Mr. Blakeney attempt to hold their seats, and former Sports minister Sen. Burgess and new candidate Mr. Wayne Furbert try to regain them for the UBP, a difference in styles is apparent.

"Max and I have been out there literally since 1989, working hard,'' said Mr.

Furbert, who said that to make a personal connection with voters and learn their concerns a candidate must "knock on that door''.

Mr. Hall said canvassing is paternalistic and some constituents feel harassed by the UBP. "I don't believe that people want their privacy invaded by politicians who are going to just come into their house and engage in a vacuous, fruitless discussion about nothing,'' he said.

Mr. Furbert and Sen. Burgess have been closely involved with the closure of Old Road and other development plans at Shelly Bay Park. Sen. Burgess, a real estate salesman, said the UBP candidates have been handling constituency issues from drainage problems to requests for speed bumps to helping youths with scholarship applications.

As well as canvassing, the candidates hold a monthly clinic and the local UBP branch sponsors an annual Shelly Bay cleanup with Keep Bermuda Beautiful.

"I just think it's terrible when MPs take people for granted and don't make themselves available,'' said Mr. Furbert, who is general manager of Richards, Francis and Francis.

Mr. Hall said while he does minimal canvassing, he focuses on national issues and Mr. Blakeney on local concerns. And calls to his law office from constituents receive priority, he said.

"We are very much a team,'' Mr. Hall said. "To the extent to that we do attend funerals and weddings, I have the privilege of attending the weddings, while Eugene attends the funerals.'' Mr. Blakeney, the general secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Association, said he is active in the constituency, but Government wants the UBP candidates to get credit. Tomorrow: Hamilton East HAMILTON WEST Registered voters (June, 1992) 1,293 1989 results Julian Hall, PLP 447 Eugene Blakeney, PLP 439 George Thomas, UBP 427 Maxwell Burgess, UBP 419 1985 results Maxwell Burgess, UBP 463 George Thomas, UBP 420 Eugene Blakeney, PLP 332 Gerald Daniels, PLP 287.

Hamilton West Registered voters (June, 1992) 1,293 1989 results Julian Hall, PLP 447 Eugene Blakeney, PLP 439 George Thomas, UBP 427 Maxwell Burgess, UBP 419 1985 results Maxwell Burgess, UBP 463 George Thomas, UBP 420 Eugene Blakeney, PLP 332 Gerald Daniels, PLP 287