Perry Christie sworn in as Bahamas PM for 2nd time
May 8, 2012, 9:22 PM
NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) – The leader of the Bahamas’ former main opposition party has been sworn in as prime minister, promising to strengthen the tourism-dependent economy, reduce crime and improve prospects for the unemployed.
Perry Christie led his Progressive Liberal Party to victory in Monday’s general elections over Hubert Ingraham’s ruling faction.
At his oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, Christie said he will “exert every effort to alleviate the problem of joblessness” over the next five years.
The unemployment rate has risen to nearly 15 percent.
Local media say exit polling shows Christie’s party won at least 29 of the 38 seats in Parliament. The official tally is pending.
Ingraham conceded defeat after polls closed and announced his retirement from politics.
Christie previously served as prime minister from 2002 to 2007.
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