Come Friday, the Pembroke East Central seat in the House of Assembly, made vacant by the death of David Allen will be filled by Ashfield DeVent.

"I saw something happen November 9, 1998 and no water can out this fire. We're on our way," were Mr. DeVent's first comments when he emerged from the polling station.

With 56.98 percent of the vote, the ruling party candidate solidly trounced the United Bermuda Party's (UBP) Leonard Santucci. But the Opposition party claimed some gains in the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) stronghold and is predicting a strong showing in the next general election.

That, of course, is sniffed at by PLP supporters. "If they are looking for a predictor for the next general election they got it today," said backbencher Delaey Robinson.

A steady flow of people streamed in to the St. Paul's Centennial Hall polling station to cast their votes from the opening of polling at 8 a.m. But early hopes of a strong turnout began to fade around lunchtime when the expected surge just did not materialise.

In the end just 795 people, out of a total of 1,774 eligible voters, turned up.

Mr. DeVent captured 453 votes, while Reverend Santucci polled 287. Independent candidate Dennis Bean made a poor showing with 43 votes. Twelve ballots were declared spoiled.

Mr. DeVent's supporters in the PLP camp, which included Premier Jennifer Smith, a posse of Cabinet Ministers and Mr. DeVent's friends and family members, were positively jubilant after the third count when it became clear that their candidate had won.

Mr. DeVent, said Premier Jennifer Smith, "will do an excellent job in living up to the memory and example of former Minister David Allen."

She added that the low turnout was expected. "We have maintained our 2-1 lead. The only thing that I have found extraordinary in this by-election is that the introduction of a third candidate has had absolutely no impact on the showing of a brand new candidate who has run for the first time... That's the only surprising thing."

The PLP's lead was in fact 1.5 to 1, somewhat less than 2 to 1 and a weaker showing than the result of the 1998 election when the two PLP candidates together got more than twice the amount of votes than the UBP candidates.

At that election, PLP candidates, Stanley Morton and David Allen, received just under 70 percent of the votes cast by the constituents. Only sketchy conclusions can be drawn however when comparing the two because with just one candidate running under each party's banners, voters cannot split or plump their votes.

While he was "elated" at his victory, Mr. DeVent said that he was "somewhat disappointed" by the low turnout.

"People just seemed to be busy and tend not to take by-elections as seriously as they should. I also think its an indication in some ways of how politically immature the country is after 30 years and I think people are still riding the crest of the last general election and not realising that we have to continue to strive and people have to continue to get out there and express their vote so once we win it we can keep it," he added.

As expected senior citizens played a major role in the poll - Mr. DeVent said they constituted the majority of the voters.

"I think seniors understand the process a little better, understand the struggle. And I think some of our young people have had it easy for a while and are beginning to forget the struggle. And I would like to remind them that this is just the beginning and they must continue to be involved."

Rev Santucci said that he was pleased with his own performance and wished Mr. DeVent well. "I'm pleased most of all that the Government has truly worked hard for this one. I do not believe that this seat can be regarded as a safe seat. I do not believe, as we go into the general election, that any seat will be a safe seat."

He added that while the PLP had retained the seat, they had nonetheless lost ground. "I think in previous elections there would have been a wider spread. I think what they had was a temporary demonstration of victory. But suffice it to say we are no ways tired. We are prepared to come back again." He predicted a "different outcome under different circumstances."

The turnout of roughly 45 percent of eligible voters was, even for a by-election, low. That surprised the UBP, but not the PLP.

"We were expecting a slightly better turnout," Rev. Santucci said. "I think if it had gotten closer to our predictions the outcome would have been different." He added: "Their challenge is to give recognition to the fact that they are elected to represent all of the peoples of Bermuda and I think in that area they are doing a very poor job."

UBP Leader Grant Gibbons said that the low turnout was indicative of the PLP's voters sending a message of discontent.

"One always hopes to win but reality being what it was this is a PLP safe seat so it was a question of how much additional ground we could gain on them. And clearly he has gained additional ground," Dr. Gibbons said.

"Rubbish," said Walter Roban, a ruling party spokesman. "We see a clear preservation of our position even in respect of the turnout. Clearly the substantial majority supported the Progressive Labour Party as they have done in practically every election in that constituency. Clearly this result shows that the PLP has not lost its way and the constituency of Pembroke East Central has kept their faith with the PLP as they have done for most elections over the past 30 years."

PLP chairman Neville Tyrell said that during canvassing the campaign team had received some indications that a number of people did not plan to vote, but he disagreed that it was a sign of disappointment with the Government.

"If you look at the result we've held our own."