PESSIMISTS who have been predicting the death of democracy through apathy in Guernsey will have been wrong-footed by the late flurry of election candidates to come forward yesterday.

With those 19 added to the pot we are now guaranteed an election in each of the seven districts. Furthermore, five of them are more competitive than four years ago, with only St Peter Port North and the South-East having fewer candidates (by one and two candidates respectively).

A total of 88 men and women will trudge the streets in pursuit of your vote. Again that is up on 2004 – by six. Compared with the election of 2000, just two terms ago, it’s a massive increase of 28%.

In terms of choice, we’ve never had it so good.

But what of the calibre of candidates, the other favourite topic of the pessimists?

Well, as ever, it’s a mixed bag of seasoned winners, the tried and unsuccessful and people who are wholly new to the business of politics.

There are those who are well known in the island already through other interests – and those whose own family would struggle to spot them in a crowd.

Each, though, is convinced that they can offer the island political ideas of substance and value.

One thing is certain: there will be a massive injection of fresh blood. At the very least, 17 new members will be sworn in on 1 May.

If electors take against sitting members it would be no surprise if more than half of the House are first-timers.

With so many new faces the key to this election will be exposure: the hustings, manifestos and those chats at the door will be vital if parishioners are going to sort the opportunist from the committed and the man or woman with judgement against the ditherer.

Having seen off candidate apathy, the island’s electors must now rally and use their own judgement and vote to ensure that the best possible House is elected.

With so much to do, this is a crucial election and voters have just one shot at getting it right.