Mr. Morton topped the poll with 891 votes while his running mate, Mr. Allen, followed closely with 887.

The votes for the PLP candidates were more than double that of their UBP counterparts -- Patricia Gordon-Pamplin received 404 and Wayne Scott finished fourth with 372.

"The PLP is sweeping the country!'' Mr. Allen exclaimed after exiting the polling station.

"It's phenomenal, we've more than doubled the majority.

"The people of Pembroke East Central had their adrenaline pumping, they were ready for a PLP victory, and I expect the trend to continue through the evening. We are indebted to the people -- they've come through for us in a big way, and we are committed to upgrading facilities for those in this district and all of Bermuda.'' "History will show that the PLP did well because our machine is becoming well-oiled. Getting out the vote early and canvassing was key -- that's the crucial thing,'' Mr. Allen added.

Both Mr. Morton and Mr. Allen were confident early in the day, and their ultimate success reflected early speculation.

An enthusiastic Mr. Morton said: "Our time has come and truly I am grateful and thankful to Almighty God for giving people the vision and desire for change and selecting us once again as representatives.'' Mr. Morton, a representative of Pembroke East Central almost uninterrupted since 1968, said he was very pleased with the voter turnout.

"I will do nothing but use my God-given energy to work on their behalf for a better life in this Country of ours,'' he added.

Both UBP candidates Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and Wayne Scott were philosophical about their defeat.

"The people of Pembroke East Central were clearly the winners in this because their concerns have been addressed,'' said Ms Gordon-Pamplin. "It's an incredible win for them, and I congratulate them for a job well done.'' And Mr. Scott added: "Patricia Gordon-Pamplin and myself had a marvellous time over the past four months canvassing and talking to people, addressing some of their concerns.'' "There was a strong showing, and (the PLP candidates) have proven themselves... people are satisfied with the representation they have been given.'' The constituency is a traditional PLP stronghold, although the UBP was voted in briefly in 1985 when Robert Barritt and Lawson Mapp triumphed.

RESULTS Stanley Morton (PLP) 891 David Allen (PLP) 887 Patricia Gordon-Pamplin (UBP) 404 Wayne Scott (UBP) 372 Rejected ballots 4