United Bermuda Party candidate Darius Tucker retained his party's seat, beating Wayne Caines by 127 votes, a slightly larger majority than that enjoyed by his predecessor, Maxwell Burgess in 2003.

Both candidates in this election were running for the first time. Mr. Tucker won with 547 votes, or 56.3 percent of the votes cast. Mr. Caines recorded 420 votes.

"It's a great feeling to win," Mr. Tucker said, immediately after the results were announced. "This is the result of hard, hard work by a great committee that stood beside me.

"They drove me forward when, sometimes, I didn't feel like moving.

"We have a plan for what lies ahead, and the work has already started."

For his part, Mr. Caines, who had also served as the Premier's Chief of Staff, said: "We fought with integrity and honour. I wish my opponent, the honourable Mr. Tucker, Godspeed as he endeavours to serve the people."

Sen. Caines appeared less than happy with his position mid-morning. By early evening, he felt that he had secured a fighting chance, but it was not to be.

As the polls closed, the two men embraced. Together, they sought out a reporter to point out that, although they opposed each other in the campaign, they remain friends when the voting is done. "We both live on this small island," Sen. Caines said.

Voting at the Whitney Institute gymnasium was brisk in the early part of the day, slowed during the middle of the day, when some rain fell, and picked up after 6 p.m.

Four ballots were spoiled.

RESULT

Darius Tucker (UBP) 547

Wayne Caines (PLP) 420