Festive crowds watch Clinton romphome in election win<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): In a gathering resembling a festive gala, the
\nUnited States Information Service (USIS) and the American Chamber
\nof Commerce hosted an election watch of yesterday's U.S.
\npresidential elections.<\/p>\n
The election watch began at 7 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel's
\nGolden Ballroom, which was festooned with red, white and blue
\ndecorations.<\/p>\n
Despite the early hour, visitors flocked to the election
\nwatch. Some attended because of professional interest, while
\nothers said they came out of curiosity about the workings of a
\nmajor international power's democratic procedures. The five-hour
\nevent attracted an estimated 500 spectators.<\/p>\n
The focus of attention was a giant screen, televising live
\ncoverage of the election counting.<\/p>\n
Next to it, a map indicated the electoral college votes for
\neach of the 51 states. A whiteboard nearby showed the massive
\nmargin held by Democrat President Bill Clinton over Republican
\ncandidate Bob Dole and Ross Perot of the Reform Party.<\/p>\n
For those wishing more details, an Internet connection was
\nestablished with the election website.<\/p>\n
Craig J. Stromme of USIS said the event was designed to
\nencourage both Americans and Indonesians to watch the elections.<\/p>\n
He said visitors who wanted to know more about the American
\nelectoral system could discuss the topic with the many U.S.
\nEmbassy staff attending the occasion.<\/p>\n
Apart from watching the election itself, guests could
\nparticipate in a straw poll conducted by the election watch.
\nVisitors were invited to fill in a mock ballot paper and tick
\neither Clinton, Dole or Perot's tickets. They could also write in
\ntheir vote.<\/p>\n
Just as in the real election, Clinton romped home in the mock
\npoll. A total of 266 guests picked the incumbent president, 48
\nwere for Dole and seven for Perot.<\/p>\n
Similar events were held by other U.S. embassies around the
\nworld. (mds)<\/p>",
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