Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister Randy Horton stormed to victory last night by 221 votes in Southampton West, claiming afterwards that the result had never been in doubt.

Mr. Horton secured 533 votes while his UBP adversary Al Wharton managed 312. There were two spoiled ballots and four were rejected.

Despite both candidates voicing their concern during the course of the day that the turn-out at the polls appeared quite low, 845 out of 1,116 eligible voters came to cast their ballot, a percentage of 76.76 percent.

Mr. Horton was understandably triumphant in the immediate aftermath of his victory.

"This is a great night for Bermuda. I had no doubt I would win. No disrespect to Al Wharton, but he was fighting a fight he was never likely to win," said Mr. Horton.

"I now intend to serve the people like they have never been served before!"

Although he admitted that his defeat had been emphatic, Mr. Wharton refused to be downcast. "Considering I was running in what should be a very strong PLP constituency, I do not think I did too badly," he said.

"I am a firm believer in the philosophy that whatever happens, happens for a reason. Nothing was left to chance. We did all we could on the campaign. Unfortunately, the people have not responded to the issues and concerns that I have tried to raise with them."

Asked whether he would consider running again in future elections, Mr. Wharton was more guarded.

"I am and will continue to be a member of the UBP. But we will have to wait and see what the future will bring."

RESULT

Randy Horton (PLP) 533

Al Wharton (UBP) 312