PLP veteran Eugene Cox and Dennis Lister were hardly challenged for the second election running as their UBP rivals went down by a two-to-one margin.

Mr. Lister again led the polls with 1,252 votes with Mr. Cox just eight votes back at 1,244.

Perennial UBP candidate Edward Bailey, who won the seat in 1985, polled 566 votes and Anthony Steede 551.

There are 2,361 registered voters in Sandys North, an increase of 238 from five years ago.

There were 1,753 votes cast yesterday with a turnout of 78.2 percent. The constituency has also gained 117 voters since the 1997-1998 parliamentary year.

The constituency was a UBP stronghold prior to 1976 when Mr. Cox captured one of the two seats for the PLP.

Since then it has been the PLP which has dominated except in 1985 when Mr.

Bailey, a former Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president, and Colin Pearman won seats in the House.

Last night, Mr. Lister said he expected the PLP would win but it was only a question of by how many votes.

"This is a sweet victory for us,'' he said. "The Country sent a clear message for change. They have shown their confidence in a PLP Government.'' Running mate and long-time Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Cox said he was "elated'' and thanked God, his family, his colleagues and his party leader.

Mr. Cox added: "I went into politics so that my son would not face what I have faced. I am glad he is here to see this.'' Earlier yesterday, Mr. Cox predicted a strong turnout, after noting the steady numbers of people entering the Sandys Primary School building.

Mr. Bailey was gracious in defeat but promised to continue to serve the constituency under a PLP Government.

"I will certainly work as hard as I can with (PLP) for Sandys North,'' he said.

"I hope they now work as hard as we have. I wish them all the best.'' Mr. Bailey added: "As you can see what happened here has happened throughout the Island. There has been a turn to the PLP.'' Mr. Steede, a first-time candidate, said he was proud of his showing, and added: "The voters have spoken. This result is not through a lack of effort.

We wish them well.'' RESULTS Dennis Lister (PLP) 1,252 Eugene Cox (PLP) 1,244 Edward Bailey (UBP) 566 Anthony Steede (UBP) 551 Rejected ballots 16 ELECTION REPRINT SPECIAL ISSUED 13th NOVEMBER 1998