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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called the UK general election for 6 May. Commentators around the world ponder what the campaign holds in store and assess its main contenders.

that the election promises to be one of the most competitive and consequential in modern British history.

"For many in recent months, as the election issues have sharpened, there has been a 'back to the future' feel about the contest.
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"Among these issues is the shadow of social class and privilege, which Lady Thatcher and Tony Blair, architect of the New Labour project that many saw as a consolidation of the Thatcher-era reforms, prided themselves on having moved to the edges of Britain's political debate."

, says Gordon Brown looks a bit too dour and serious compared with his Conservative rival, David Cameron.

"It doesn't speak well of the frivolity of today's media-hyped politics that the guy with the dash may actually get voted in. But if Kenya and Africa were to join the voting, there would be no doubt whatsoever as to their preference."

the British voters are in an odd mood and David Cameron may have trouble persuading them to embrace change.

"This election takes place against the backdrop of an MPs expenses scandal last year that taxed the patience even of the inherently world-weary average British citizen. There was widespread cynicism about politics before so many members of the last parliament were found to be abusing expenses; afterward there was fury. The anger has subsided a little, but not much.
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"That presents a serious problem for any leader attempting to sell a message of change and hope. Many voters have given up hope real change is even possible. David Cameron and Conservatives can't rely on surfing a wave of voter enthusiasm, because it doesn't exist."

Meanwhile, Julia Raabe that Gordon Brown may stand more of a chance than some observers think:

"For months Labour has been bobbing along the bottom in the polls. But despite having many opponents in his party, and thanks to the financial crisis, Brown has managed to catch up...
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"But Labour's return as a contender can also be attributed to voters' suspicions about the Tories. David Cameron is more popular than his own party, but he has not yet persuaded the British people. Much of that is down to uncertainty about the economic crisis. In order to change that in the next four weeks and widen the Conservative lead he will have to be much more precise about his promise of change."

a rollercoaster ride for the pound as Gordon Brown and David Cameron attempt to woo voters.

"Both candidates will push towards the center, offering campaign sweeteners to the all important 'Middle England' vote, the equivalent of America's 'heartland voter'.
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"Thus the pound could get choppy as the polls tighten, as markets battle with concerns that UK politicians will have to err on the side of more (rather than less) government spending in order to keep as many people as possible happy with their camp."

that the economy will be a key factor in the parties' campaigning.

"If in the middle of an economic crisis he [Cameron] cannot beat an unpopular prime minister, and a party that has been in power for 13 years, he will sink to the bottom like his three predecessors.
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"Apparently the voters have no faith in the Tories' economic policy. In opinion polls 82% said they wanted clearer explanations from Cameron about how he would tackle the crisis. Even among Tory supporters 82% say they want to know that. That's why Labour has selected the Tories' shadow chancellor George Osborne as its main target."

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