The Progressive National Party (PNP) returned to power on Friday after voters in the Turks and Caicos Islands gave the thumbs up to their policies and plans for the next four years.

This comes three years after the PNP was booted out of office by Britain after it took a decision to impose direct rule on the islands.

Preliminary figures show that the PNP had won six of the 10 electoral districts, with the other four going to its main challenger, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) headed by a former premier Oswald Skipping, who had been critical of Britain’s continued heavy influence in the country.

The PNP is also likely to win four of five “At Large Votes” where its leader, Dr Rufus Ewing polled the second highest tally of votes, defeating Skipping, who came eighth among the 11 candidates.