Bahamians voted overwhelmingly for change yesterday as opposition party the Free National Movement (FNM) swept aside the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) at the polls, making FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis the country’s next Prime Minister.

The results of the General Election trickled in late last night and showed a decisive win for the FNM, which is expected to take 34 of The Bahamas’ 39 constituencies when the official tally is announced. Addressing the crowd at a victory rally in Nassau last night Prime Minister-elect Minnis said: “This was a long fought battle but the victory is not mine, the victory is yours. This is the people’s time and I am your servant.

“I am fully aware of the awesome mandate that has been handed to me. There are serious challenges ahead, but we are confident we shall overcome.”

In one of the biggest upsets of the night, former Prime Minister and PLP leader Perry Christie lost the Centreville constituency – a seat he has held since 1977 – to FNM newcomer Reece Chipman. Christie, who is the Bahamas’ longest serving parliamentarian, is now expected to announce his retirement from political life.

In a statement released as the results came in and the PLP’s defeat became apparent, Christie said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Prime Minister. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Bahamian people for that opportunity.”

Based on early results, many other cabinet members have also been ousted from their seats, with former Minister for Financial Services Hope Strachan, former Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and former Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald all expected to lose to the FNM.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts called the results “unexpected” and said the party would now focus on rebuilding.

The country’s third largest opposition party, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is also in rebuilding mode after failing to secure any seats. “The people have spoken and we have to accept what the people have said,” said leader Branville McCartney.