In a closer than expected race, PLP public relations co-ordinator Glen Blakeney defeated the UBP's Hilary Soares by 95 votes.

Largely working class, Devonshire North Central was predicted by many constituents to be a clear-cut win for the PLP, but out of the 1,002 registered voters only 727 actually cast their ballots, with two votes being rejected.

A visibly jubilant Mr. Blakeney credited his party's organisation and God for his success.

Earlier on the evening, as the polls were closing, he said: "I feel confident to the degree that the people will give the benefit of the doubt to the PLP only because the PLP has delivered. Today has been an assessment. I feel very optimistic."

He also said that he was looking forward to serving his constituency.

Mrs. Soares, who was surrounded by a number of UBP supporters when the results were released, said she was pleased with results. Mrs. Soares added that she was happy with her fight for a constituency which was largely made up of the old Devonshire North constituency - a PLP stronghold.

Earlier in the day Mrs. Soares also spoke out on the low turnout. "There's a big sort of apathy amongst voters in general. They don't like what they hear."

A taxi driver who said he had been at the Prospect Primary polls for much of the day also commented on the low turnout. "I haven't seen 1,000 people. I'll give them 700 to 800. The way I look at it it's going to be a close count."

A victorious Mr. Blakeney even managed to forget the PLP's antipathy towards the press, giving a Royal Gazette reporter a kiss before speeding off to Alaska Hall.

RESULTS

Glen Blakeney (PLP) 416

Hilary Soares (UBP) 311