Eight days before the Concacaf presidential election Larry Mussenden is feeling increasingly positive about his chances.

The Bermuda Football Association president has ramped up his campaign in the past week, speaking to his fellow presidents and re-emphasising the pledges he made in his manifesto.

Although there are 41 votes at stake next Thursday, in reality the numbers are very different. Bermuda will vote for Mussenden, and Canada will back their president, Victor Montagliani, who is also running.

Montagliani also has the public support of the United States, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

That leaves 33 votes on the table, although Mussenden was endorsed by six member nations when he submitted his application to run for president. Of the 27 votes that remain the majority are held by members of the Caribbean Football Union.

“Based on what people are telling me about their support for my candidacy I’m feeling fairly positive [about my chances],” Mussenden said. “I’m hoping that’s going to turn into actual votes at the ballot box, but I’m not taking anything for granted.

“Some people will tell you, no, we’re not voting for you, and you can rely on that. And I think those are the ones you can truly believe.

“And then you have got others who tell you, yes, and others who have to go back to talk to their executive about it, and it’s an executive decision. All those things apply, and in the end I feel confident because of what I have been told, which is based on working relationships that I have had for a long time.”

The CFU nations are scheduled to meet in Mexico City on May 11 to discuss the election, the day before the Concacaf Congress where Mussenden and Montagliani will put their final cases to the assembled presidents from the region.

The CFU Executive have already had their meeting and are expected to announce who they endorse in the next couple of days. Although they do not have a vote in Mexico, their opinion is likely to carry significant weight with the Caribbean nations.

Mussenden, who flies to Mexico on Tuesday, is looking forward to the vote and being able to present his case one final time.

“It’s a proud moment for me, and I hope a proud moment for Bermuda,” he said. “I know I am representing my country as well, and I’m working hard for that reason, among others.”