Bahamas changes course; Ingraham's party defeated in general election

PM-elect of the Bahamas, Perry Christie

Opposition leader Perry Christie claimed a convincing general election victory in the Bahamas Monday after Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham conceded defeat.Christie, 69, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister on Tuesday. He held the post from 2002 to 2007.

In a victory speech, Christie warned supporters of his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) of "great challenges" ahead to revive a struggling economy and combat escalating crime.

He also appealed for national unity: "This has been a bitterly contested election, and now it is over it is time for national healing to begin," he said.

Ingraham told workers of his Free National Movement he would stand down as party leader and would not take up his place in the new parliament.

"The Progressive Liberal Party has won the election...I do not propose to lead the party in opposition," he said.

The new government faces tough challenges, including sluggish economic growth, high unemployment of nearly 15 per cent and crime.

In addition to crime, the economy and oil issues dominated the election campaign.

Analysts say there could be one billion barrels of oil reserves in Bahamian waters, offering an opportunity for economic growth. However there is a debate over whether extensive drilling for oil could deeply hurt the essential tourism sector.

Ingraham had refused to accept the idea of drilling for oil in offshore waters but changed his tune during the campaign to say he would be OK with it under strict regulatory conditions.