Festive crowds watch Clinton romphome in election win

JAKARTA (JP): In a gathering resembling a festive gala, the United States Information Service (USIS) and the American Chamber of Commerce hosted an election watch of yesterday's U.S. presidential elections.

The election watch began at 7 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel's Golden Ballroom, which was festooned with red, white and blue decorations.

Despite the early hour, visitors flocked to the election watch. Some attended because of professional interest, while others said they came out of curiosity about the workings of a major international power's democratic procedures. The five-hour event attracted an estimated 500 spectators.

The focus of attention was a giant screen, televising live coverage of the election counting.

Next to it, a map indicated the electoral college votes for each of the 51 states. A whiteboard nearby showed the massive margin held by Democrat President Bill Clinton over Republican candidate Bob Dole and Ross Perot of the Reform Party.

For those wishing more details, an Internet connection was established with the election website.

Craig J. Stromme of USIS said the event was designed to encourage both Americans and Indonesians to watch the elections.

He said visitors who wanted to know more about the American electoral system could discuss the topic with the many U.S. Embassy staff attending the occasion.

Apart from watching the election itself, guests could participate in a straw poll conducted by the election watch. Visitors were invited to fill in a mock ballot paper and tick either Clinton, Dole or Perot's tickets. They could also write in their vote.

Just as in the real election, Clinton romped home in the mock poll. A total of 266 guests picked the incumbent president, 48 were for Dole and seven for Perot.

Similar events were held by other U.S. embassies around the world. (mds)