again topped the poll, followed by running mate Mr. Timothy Smith.

It was victory first time around for newcomer Mr. Smith, making his debut on the political stage.

Both candidates coasted home to easy victories in the two-way fight, with Mr.

Soares capturing 662 votes, or 36.5 percent and Mr. Smith 636 votes, or 35.1 percent.

PLP candidates Mr. Chris Furbert and Mr. Calvin Wales, both contending Paget West for the first time, managed to win 276 and 238 votes respectively.

In this traditionally UBP stronghold, Mr. Smith, who stepped in to fill the shoes of former House Speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson, said he was "delighted'' that Paget West had shown such support for his candidacy.

"The constituents have demonstrated their confidence in a new, young candidate and I believe they have given Mr. Soares and me a clear mandate to move forward with the Bermuda Blueprint for the future.'' Despite torrential rain, there was a record turnout, with almost 77 percent turning out to record their vote, compared with 73 percent in 1989. It was estimated that almost half of the electorate had cast its vote by 2 p.m.

Veteran politician Mr. Soares, who stepped down from his Cabinet post for business reasons in 1992, said that "hard work'' had obviously paid off.

It was the first time for seven years, he said, that Paget West had fielded two PLP candidates. As a result, he said, nothing had been taken for granted and he felt their election had been won "on the doorsteps''.

"Tim Smith and I have been canvassing for over a year for three days a week.

We would both like to thank all the voters who turned out today. We are very pleased with the result,'' he said.

The outcome in Paget West was never in doubt. The first count showed Mr.

Soares taking the lead with 69 votes and Mr. Smith, 65. The two PLP contenders were already trailing, with Mr. Smith showing 32 votes and Mr. Wales bringing up the rear with 28. It was a trend which never wavered.

A brisk rate of voting was maintained throughout the day and, by early afternoon, Mr. Soares said he was confident that the bad weather had not deterred voters.

A total of 1,222 registered eligible voters cast 935 ballots.

RESULTS Harry Soares (UBP) 662 Timothy Smith (UBP) 636 Chris Furbert (PLP) 276 Calvin Wales (PLP) 238 Void ballots 10.

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION