PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands (AP) Authorities in the British territory of the Turks & Caicos Islands on Monday were recounting paper ballots for elections to resume local administration after the leader of the losing faction pushed for another tally.

Provisional results announced Saturday show that Rufus Ewing and his Progressive Liberal Party won an 8-7 victory in Friday's parliamentary elections and will lead the new government after three years of direct rule by Britain prompted by an inquiry into rampant corruption by local leaders.

People's Democratic Movement leader Oswald Skippings requested a recount of the overall vote. His party won seven seats in the 15-member legislature.

A mission of eight election observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and a regional group issued a statement Monday saying the ballots were counted accurately the first time and the voting process was transparent at the islands' 17 polling stations.

On Monday, the paper ballots were being recounted at a church hall in Grand Turk. The ballots had been stored at a police station since the provisional tally was announced Saturday.

It was not clear how long it will take before officials certify the results. Some 84 percent of the islands' 7,337 registered voters participated, according to the governor's office.

The election came three years after the small territory's jet-setting premier, Michael Misick, stepped down amid allegations of corruption and lavish spending. Britain took control of the islands' government in August 2009 and launched a corruption inquiry. Misick denies any wrongdoing but is a fugitive who is believed to be living in the Dominican Republic.

Britain will retain much control of the islands' finances after the new government is seated.

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Recount of ballots under way in Turks & Caicos