Nelson Bascome stormed to victory in Pembroke East Central, last night to return to the House of Assembly for a fourth consecutive term.

Mr. Bascome, who served as Health and Housing Minister for the Progressive Labour Party's first term in office, topped the poll with 654 votes.

His only opponent, Scott Hunter, trailed dismally behind with just 62 votes. "It feels good. My concern now is the national count. This day has been one of heat and my opponent acquitted himself well," Mr. Bascome said.

"I'm thankful to the people of constituency number 16."

Mr. Hunter, a first time candidate who was parachuted into the area at the last minute to hold the flag for the United Bermuda Party said: "First of all I must congratulate Nelson and the PLP.

"Clearly this is a stronghold for both of them and taking on the opponent to run here was important for our party because it was important to provide a viable alternative to the platform and programme of the PLP."

When asked if he would do it again, Mr. Hunter said "I don't know", at first, then said: "The answer is all things being equal, absolutely. I have very much enjoyed Nelson's company during the day and the collegiality that existed at the polling station among not just ourselves but the participants."

He added that he had not had any expectations as to the results but "upon reflection and based on the dynamic today I was pleased with the outcome".

Mr. Bascome attributed his victory to his long history of community involvement in the area.

"But I can also say that in the canvass I did not come across any people who had alternative views and concerns."

There were only two spoiled ballots. Voter turnout was a relatively low 65 percent, with 718 voters taking part.

RESULTS

Nelson Bascome (PLP) 654

Scott Hunter (UBP) 62