But the wait for election results was long for party faithful.

Despite having only 1,661 registered votes, the final count did not reach the ecstatic ears of an overwhelmingly PLP crowd until almost midnight.

Only a handful of dedicated voters were left hovering around a four-inch portable TV outside St. David's Primary School after the doors closed.

But numbers steadily mounted as a victory by challengers Arthur Pitcher and Wilbur Lowe became more apparent.

Early counts showed the hopefuls with a clear, but by no means insurmountable lead.

But UBP incumbent Rick Spurling and running mate Derick Carlington never mustered enough support to seriously challenge the Opposition lead.

And when Mr. Pitcher finally burst through the school hall doors he was met and bear-hugged by a screaming mob of supporters.

After a few minutes of wild cheering and applause he sought out St. George's South campaign manager and former UBP MP Grace Bell.

"Right here, you all,'' he shouted as he lifted her hand. "She gave it to us.'' Mr. Lowe shared his running mate's joy.

"We feel great,'' he said. "The people of St. George's South have spoken. We are going to do our very best to serve them.

"It was a very tough race, a very difficult race, a see-saw race. But we came out on top.'' And he credited hard campaigning and the voters desire for change as the key elements in the PLP victory.

While in the midst of his joy Mr. Pitcher also expressed concern for his party colleagues.

"How have we done in the rest of Bermuda?'' he shouted several times over the applause of the throng.

"We will see true representation in St. George's South,'' he promised.

"I am at the will of the people. We have been neglected in the past, but be assured that your homeboy will take care of home.'' Long-time incumbent Rick Spurling accepted his defeat quietly.

"I'm obviously very disappointed,'' he admitted. "The vote that we would normally get at the end didn't come through.

"It evened out in the end but we didn't catch up. Obviously people have spoken. They want a change -- in St. George's South anyway.

"I guess I have to live with that change, whatever it may be.'' RESULTS Arthur Pitcher (PLP) 714 Wilbur Lowe (PLP) 702 Richard Spurling (UBP) 626 Derick Carlington (UBP) 612 Rejected ballots 1