Pindling, was greeted with dismay last night by Bermuda's Progressive Labour Party.

PLP leader Mr. Freddie Wade said: "We are very disappointed. He was a friend of our party for a long time.'' Mr. Wade described the defeat as a "strange'' tribute to Sir Lynden's leadership of his Progressive Liberal Party.

He had become a victim of his own efforts to restore democracy to The Bahamas, added Mr. Wade.

Deputy Premier the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto said the election result would have no bearing on Bermuda.

"It will be interesting, however, to see an analysis of what happened.'' Wednesday's general election was won by the Free National Movement led by Hubert Ingraham.

The PLP, which has governed The Bahamas for the past 25 years, failed to get the predicted 38 of the 49 seats that comprise the House of Assembly.

Several Cabinet Ministers were eliminated by newcomers to the political scene.

In the aftermath of his defeat Sir Lynden said: "The people in this great little democracy have spoken in the most dignified and eloquent manner, and the voice of the people is the voice of God.'' He added he still hoped to continue serving in Parliament, and helping Bahamian people.

Sir Lynden has close ties with Bermuda, last visiting the Island to celebrate the opening of the Progressive Labour Party's Alaska Hall headquarters in Court Street.

He is a close friend of former PLP leader Mrs. Lois Browne Evans MP, having studied at the same London law school.

Sir Lynden, a charismatic figure who grabbed power by defeating the United Bahamian Party, also came to Bermuda in the 1970s to attend a testimonial dinner for the late PLP stalwart Mr. Walter Robinson.

Mr. Wade blamed Sir Lynden's downfall on a "restless'' electorate concerned about the economy, unemployment, and the uncertainty of the future.

"It is something being faced by all incumbent governments, and there is a lesson here.'' he said.

Mr. Wade said his party had faxed a message of sympathy to Sir Lynden.