Both of Bermuda’s two main political parties have condemned negativity as the Island kicks off the official start of the general election campaign.But some pundits are fearing the worst as they vie for favour with the electorate in a battle which will last more than five weeks.One Bermuda Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier has already called on his party’s supporters to steer clear of negative, personal comments about Premier Paula Cox.Ms Cox herself has indicated that the party will fight tough if “attacked,” telling her supporters at the PLP’s conference banquet: “Make no mistake — when we are attacked in this campaign, we will respond aggressively.”Last night she elaborated on that comment saying the party will not be “sitting ducks” while others engaged in “besmirching” its candidates. But she said the Progressive Labour Party will fight a clean fight.Yesterday the Progressive Labour Party issued a statement condemning “gutter” rhetoric.“The PLP believes in standing strong for Bermudians and lifting up, not pulling down. So it is always disappointing when some choose to go in the gutter,” the party said in a statement.“That, however, does not deter or discourage us for working for all of Bermuda even the naysayers. There is a clear choice and difference between how we believe conversations regarding elections and politics should occur.“The anonymous vile and disgusting online comments and images are unacceptable and have no place in Bermuda politics. This type of vitriol does nothing to unite the country. In fact, it only serves to take us to a place of division and separation."The PLP was of course talking about the rhetoric of their opponents.Commentator Bryant Trew expects an escalation of negativity in what he says will be a “critically important” election.“We have some incredibly great social problems that need to be addressed, and to address them you will need a viable economy in order to fund the necessary solutions,” Mr Trew said. “Over the next five years and beyond it will be absolutely critical for Bermuda to have a Government that is competent enough to address the economic challenges, empathetic enough to address the social challenges and honest enough to not to get distracted by the trappings of political power.“I do not believe that Bermuda can sustain continued or increased displays of incompetence, vitriol and highly-questionable conduct. It is absolutely critical that solution-orientated individuals form the next Government.”He added that he fears the worst from the PLP because, he says, the party’s record in office cannot withstand scrutiny.“I expect both parties to escalate upon the tone and approach that we have seen over the last 12 months,” he said.“The PLP will make every effort to derail discussion of their 14 years of Government, because detailed scrutiny of their record is highly damaging to their electability.“Instead, they will revert to their 2007 playbook and escalate attempts to portray Craig Cannonier as a puppet of the white oligarchy.“They will escalate their attempts to associate the OBA with the UBP; they will increase attempts to hold the OBA leadership responsible for every display of real or perceived bigotry towards blacks; they will resort to plantation rhetoric; and they will continue to fabricate issues in an effort to stoke black anger.”Mr Trew went on to say that such tactics could make it difficult for the OBA to stick to the issues and its platform.“The question is how they (OBA) will react to a far more aggressive PLP.“It will be interesting to see whether they draw swords or retreat in response to the PLP’s ‘don’t vote yourself back onto the plantation’ politics. Trying to stick to promoting their platform, or increasing traction with their message of ‘Time for Change’, will be much tougher as the rhetoric is increased.”Cornel Fubler, the man behind the new political party Restore Bermuda, said based on the 2007 election he expected an “embarrassing, divisive, all-out war” over the coming weeks.“To the PLP, I would say ‘stand on the merit of your record’. And to the OBA, who have fallen short of putting substance out there, stand on the merit of your record,” Mr Fubler said.Cheryl Pooley, a former candidate for the now defunct National Liberal Party said that most Bermudians expect a civil campaign.“There is, however, a smaller faction within the black community that want to see the PLP put on boxing gloves regarding the issue of race. They are angry. As long as the white community does not apologise for 218 years of slavery , 134 years of segregation and 30 years of discrimination, the issue will be a crucible to our unity as a nation under one name, Bermudian,” she said.But she was confident the Premier had a different approach to her predecessor Dr Ewart Brown.“She does not have ‘pay back’ on her agenda. It doesn’t mean she won’t discuss the issue of race. The Premier, whether you agree with her or not, is civil, ethical, intelligent, articulate and business adept,” Ms Pooley said.“It will be interesting to see how she controls some of her loose cannons. I might be wrong considering the shock of the PLP’s about-face on the issue of the Regiment, gambling on cruise ships and the inclusion of gay rights.“As for Opposition Leader, Craig Cannonier, I have every faith that he will be civil.”