First time United Bermuda Party candidate Donte Hunt provided one of the few bright spots of the night for the Opposition when he beat out Attorney General Phillip Perinchief in St. George's South 544 to 519 votes.

In the last election Renee Webb beat the UBP candidate Tim Smith by just eight votes in the constituency.

Mr. Hunt, 29, emerged from the hall victorious to a small crowd of UBP supporters and his wife Kelly who was jumping for joy.

Mrs. Hunt had spent the evening pacing and listening in at the door, counting the number of times her husband's name was called out.

Although Mr. Hunt ended with a comfortable margin, the race was tight all night.

In the first quarter, each candidate had 150 votes, then Mr. Hunt took the lead with 305 votes to Mr. Perinchief's 295 at the halfway mark, and then tied again at 455 each.

When he emerged Mr. Hunt said: "It's overwhelming and unbelievable. Surreal is another word as well. I have a responsibility and I will work hard for all the voters of St. George's South.

"The people of Bermuda deserve someone who will work hard for them and properly represent them.

"I am here to serve them." He singled out his wife's support as the main reason for his victory and added that he had a solid team of supporters who had helped him canvass every night for the last seven weeks.

Mr. Perinchief emerged from Trinity Church Hall shortly after Mr. Hunt and said: "Of course I am disappointed, I fought a hard fight but it is just one of those things."

RESULT

Donte Hunt (UBP) 544

Phillip Perinchief (PLP) 519