Political heavyweights Maxwell Burgess and Colonel David Burch battled it out in the sweltering heat at Whitney Institute in District Seven.

Under the old constituencies, the area had been mainly a United Bermuda Party stronghold, and the UBP candidate for Hamilton South, Mr. Burgess, was expected to take the seat with not much trouble - he had beaten Col. Burch by almost 200 votes during a by-election in 2001.

But early on it appeared there may be an upset with Col. Burch showing his political muscle and at the first quarter mark the PLP's man had garnered 95 votes to Mr. Burgess' 105.

As the clock ticked by, Col. Burch lost some ground - 217 for Mr. Burgess and 183 for Col. Burch at the half-way stage. It was not until 9.45 p.m., at the three quarter count, that the UBP's candidate started to pull away, with 440 votes to 360.

The final count showed 493 votes for Mr. Burgess and 387 votes for Col. Burch - a difference of over one hundred.

"I knew it would be a hard race," said Mr. Burgess, as he dashed out of the sweltering polling station - one of the few without air conditioning. "I had a large number of supporters that I knew would be out of the country and could not vote. I am pleased and I am now looking forward to representing the people of Hamilton South."

Col. Burch made a dash for his car at the same time as Mr. Burgess, and drove off before making a statement. Earlier in the day he said he had been pleased with the turn-out. He said he was hot, but confident that his party would do well.

Results

Maxwell Burgess (UBP) 493

David Burch (PLP) 387

Spoiled ballots 7