call at any time.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan issued the alert last week saying the poll could be called any time in the near future.

The statement was made at Thursday night's UBP annual general meeting where the Premier addressed members as Party leader.

Yesterday, he said: "My message to them was very clear. An election is inevitable. People should get out and canvass. Every branch should be in a state of readiness.'' The Premier said it was particularly critical that party members be on people's doorsteps to show they are there to help.

"We must get on the doorsteps to talk with the people. This is particularly important as the recession continues. We've got to be out there with the people to see what we can do to help them.

"That's what we're all about.'' Sir John first put the party on election alert late last summer when he ordered MPs and party candidates to start canvassing in earnest.

Some party officials have said he wants party representatives to meet constituents at least three times before the election call.

Thursday night's meeting saw Mr. Elroy Ratteray and Mr. Vincent Ingham win election as new deputy chairmen of the party. They join three others with the title: Mr. David Lines, Mr. John Collis and Mr. Ronald Viera.

The election of Mr. Ratteray and Mr. Ingham was made possible earlier this year when Mr. Timothy Smith and the Hon. Pamela Gordon had to step down after winning adoption as party candidates for the next general election.

All other party officers were re-elected unanimously. They included Premier Swan as leader, Dr. James King as party chairman, Mr. Roger Davidson as treasurer and secretary Mrs. Essie Hans.