Pembroke East Central by-election result: Michael Weeks (Progressive Labour Party) 387; Keith Young (United Bermuda Party) 44; three rejected ballots.

Michael Weeks is the new MP for Pembroke East Central after winning 89 percent of the votes in the by-election to replace the late Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

He defeated Keith Young of the United Bermuda Party, who scored ten percent in the Progressive Labour Party’s safest seat in the Country. The PLP’s margin of victory was slightly bigger than in the 2007 General Election, when Mr. Bascome claimed 87 percent of the votes.

Voter turnout in Constituency 16 was 39 percent — down from 65 percent two years ago. Pundits had predicted many residents would stay away from the polls with an easy win expected for the PLP, and disillusionment from supporters of both parties.

For the full story, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.