NASSAU (Reuters):

The Bahamas heads into a general election on Wednesday amid sporadic violence and allegations of vote-buying in a campaign focused on economic growth and political scandal.

Prime Minister Perry Christie says his Progressive Liberal Party will win atleast 28 of the 41 seats in the House of Assembly; Free National Movement leader Hubert Ingraham believes a "tsunami" of support will sweep him back to power.

There is no nationwide pre-election polling in The Bahamas but observers have been predicting a close race.

Ingraham a former Prime Minis-ter, says scandals, such as the resignation of the Immigration Minister over claims he fast-tracked the residency application of late Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith, and five years of non-achievement have brought disillusionment.

But Christie maintains that his party has presided over economic growth, with up to US$20 billion get in pledged in foreign investment for major resort projects in the less populated 'Family Islands'.