A steady stream of Southampton East voters arrived right from the start with about 50 going through in the first hour.

At the final tally Mr. Burrows and Mr. Lowe grabbed 70 percent of the total votes cast, defeating United Bermuda Party hopefuls Ray Ming and Calvin Simons.

Mr. Lowe topped the polls with 942 votes, while Mr. Burrows was close behind with 929. The UBP pair each received 402 votes.

The total number of ballots cast was 1,350. Two were spoilt. There were 1,678 registered eligible voters.

"We have had an absolutely wonderful time,'' said an elated Mr. Lowe. "This has been a most thrilling election. In fact, it is the most thrilling I have ever been in.

"The turnout has been absolutely wonderful. We can see a definite trend being set. There was a steady turnout all day. "There was not much of a lull at all. I am happy at the turnout. The train is definitely there.'' Mr. Burrows said it had been a very long day but he was pleased with the outcome.

"It has been a very rewarding day,'' he added. "We had calculated it quite well and we have been canvassing for quite a few months and managed to see nearly all the people in our area.

"We did not see everyone, but our calculations were very close -- in fact, we were just a few votes out.'' Mr. Burrows said the key ingredient was the turnout because of voter anxiety over the direction the Country was going in under the United Bermuda Party.

"This has been a long time coming for our supporters. This is their time.

"It is our time. We hope that this trend carries right through the Island. We have never seen the turnout like we have seen.'' Neither of the UBP candidates was prepared to comment to The Royal Gazette .

Mr. Ming said: "We have been muzzled by the party. You will have to come to UBP Central at the Surf Club.'' However, when The Royal Gazette called at the Surf Club, UBP member Charles Marshall said no such gag order had been ordered.

Outside the Heron Bay School polling station, a parade of cars with PLP supporters honked their horns and cheered as Mr. Burrows and Mr. Lowe emerged.

"Dr. Gordon has arisen,'' one man shouted. "Pam brought him back alive.'' RESULTS Stanley Lowe (PLP) 942 Reginald Burrows (PLP) 929 Ray Ming (UBP) 402 Calvin Simons (UBP) 402 Rejected ballots 2