By LISA S. KING

FN Asst. Editor

lisa@nasguard.com

The Free National Move-ment (FNM) won the battle for the "hearts and minds" of the Bahamian people last night, with unofficial results of the 2007 general elections indicating it had defeated the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) by winning 24 of the 41 seats contested.

Grand Bahama re-established itself as FNM country, as it was known prior to the 2002 general election, by giving the FNM five of its six seats. Incumbent Neko Grant beat PLP candidate Constance McDonald in Lucaya; Kenneth Russell beat Dr. Doswell Coakley in High Rock; Vernae Grant beat Caleb Outten in Eight Mile Rock; Kwasi Thompson defeated Ann Percentie-Russell in Pineridge; and Zhivargo Laing beat Pleasant Bridgewater in Marco City.

Obie Wilchcombe, Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, was the only PLP candidate to win in Grand Bahama, narrowly defeating FNM David Wallace.

With former Prime Minister Perry Christie conceding defeat late Wednesday evening, history was made whereby it is the first time that a governing party was ousted after one five-year term. Prior to that, the FNM was given 10 years and before that, the PLP was given 25 years. It also means that the FNM will now become the new government.

Prime Minister-elect Hubert Ingraham spoke to the nation from FNM headquarters in New Providence last night, thanking the Bahamian people for having the confidence in him to lead.

"My colleagues and I gratefully and humbly accept the mandate of the Bahamian people given to us today, " he said. "I wish to express our thanks to all of those who have so convincingly put their trust in our party and to all who worked so hard in this gruelling campaign.

"I should also like to salute our opponents and say that I look forward to their continued participation in our democratic process."

Ingraham said he was especially grateful to the people of North Abaco for electing him to Parliament for a seventh consecutive term. He also thanked his wife Delores, his children and supporting members of the FNM. He also thanked former Prime Minister Perry Christie for his service to The Bahamas and wished him the very best.

"I would also like to thank the people of The Bahamas who summoned me back to service again," he said. "Apart from some minor incidences, the people of New Providence and throughout our Family Islands have once again demonstrated that they are fully committed and are very proud of the tradition which we have for a peaceful and orderly change."

On Tuesday night, Ingraham said that this election was a "battle for the hearts and minds" of the Bahamian people.

Addressing thousands of supporters at a mass rally held on the grounds of the R. M. Bailey Park Tuesday night, Ingraham said this election was a "battle for the hearts and minds" of the Bahamian people. He added that the Bahamian people have been very disappointed in the PLP over the past five years.

In his brief speech last night, he said no matter our political persuasion, Baha-mians can all be proud and hold their heads high for living in a nation where democracy is cherished and which the rule of law prevails.

"My colleagues and I will reaffirm the commitment we have made during the campaign," he said. "That is to govern within the constitution of our land and with time honoured conventions. We will devote all of our energies to the continued development of our nation in every respect.

"We ask our political opponents and all Bahamians to join us in this endeavour. May God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."

He said the FNM will now prepare to hold a celebration event at a place to be announced soon.

For a number of weeks leading up to election day, many Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Free National Party (FNM) supporters attended mass rallies to 'gear' themselves up for the big day.

While they did that, numerous stories were written by The Freeport News and other media houses about public feedback and various predictions on who would win the elections.

Election fever was everywhere as many Bahamians participated in mass motorcades dressed in the colours depicting the party of their choice while others took to the airwaves and the internet to voice their views on what was taking place in the country.

However, this year's general election proves that no one can accurately predict what will take place during such times as the number of persons attending rallies do not truly give an indication of who or what party has the potential to win.

On Tuesday night, Christie stood before thousands of Bahamians on Clifford Park, where accompanied by members of his team, he made a final plea to Bahamians to support the PLP by marking their X next to the hand sign on election day.

Throughout the election campaign, Ingraham and Christie were embroiled in a verbal wrangle in relation to the sale of crown land to foreigners. While Ingraham accused the government on many occasions of selling too much land to foreign investors, Christie often retorted that his government was actually buying land back for Bahamians.

NEW MP — Kwasi Thompson, newly elected Member of Parliament for the Pineridge constituency, celebrates his victory with his wife at FNM headquarters last night. (Photos by JENNEVA RUSSELL)