Voters in Pembroke West gave a clear "no thanks" to PLP candidate Calvin Smith's attempt to wrest control of the traditionally UBP stronghold for his party.

When all 847 votes were tallied, UBP candidate Jamahl Simmons emerged a solid winner with 544 vote, or 64.23 percent of the votes cast, against Mr. Smith's 303 votes, or 35.77 percent. Mr. Simmons thus retains his party's seat by a margin of 28.46 percent and returns to Parliament.

"I put in a lot of work and long hours walking the countryside, and I am very grateful for the result," Mr. Simmons said. "I want to thank the voters for the honour of serving them again, and I will continue to do my best to serve their needs."

The losing candidate expressed surprise that, despite the change in electoral boundaries, District 19 remained a solidly UBP stronghold, but made it clear he wouldn't be going away.

"In order to win Pembroke West the PLP needs to forge a large and continuous organisation and put in a lot of work to gain people's confidence and move them away from the UBP," Mr. Smith said. "A lot of work also has to be done regarding the interests and concerns of the area's white population. I am disappointed to lose, but I want to continue working in Pembroke West because I like the area."

At the halfway count, it was clear the PLP would score no major upset, and by the time the final ballot was counted the result was a foregone conclusion.

A former member of the PLP and the NLP, Mr. Simmons firstwon his Parliamentary seat in the by-election of 2001.

There were two rejected ballots and two spoiled ballots. Turnout was 76.01 percent of the registered eligible voters.

Results

Jamahl Simmons (UBP) 544

Calvin Smith (PLP) 303