Suzann Roberts Holshouser last night won a very close race in St. David's, constituency number three, by 15 votes out of almost 800 cast.

"It was a very close run-up, and now that the result has been announced, I look forward to representing my constituency and the greater Bermudian public," Ms Holshouser said as she emerged, looking tired, from the count.

Danvers (Danny) Seymour, the PLP candidate, had left the polling station as soon as the count began, but earlier in the day he had declared himself very happy with the way his campaign had gone, and grateful to the voters of St. David's.

Mr. Seymour had been a late entrant in the election, with Arthur Pitcher, who had previously served in St. David's, taking some time to decide not to run.

Mr. Seymour had been ahead at the half, which was a surprise to Ms Holshouser's supporters. They had confidently been expecting victory by a wide margin, and were somewhat dispirited when Mr. Seymour placed ahead halfway into the count.

The House of Assembly's gain may be ZBM-TV's loss, with Ms Holshouser likely to retire from her position as the weather presenter on the evening news.

The election count was memorable for the total lack of information made available to those waiting outside for news. No announcement was made of the fractional results by the returning officer Raymond Medeiros.

Suzann Roberts Holshouser (UBP) 399

Danvers Seymour (PLP) 384

Rejected ballots 3

Spoiled ballots 0