By IANS,
Kolkata : With the presidential battle on in the US, the American Centre here has organised a special event titled ‘Election Watch’ to enable poll enthusiasts to watch constant updates and presidential debates.
The election watch centre will be opened at the Park Hotel in central Kolkata from 5.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, said a press statement by the American Consulate office here.
“Before the final results are declared, election enthusiasts will be able to see continuous CNN-election updates over television, screenings of the presidential and vice-presidential debates, casting of mock votes, and election update remarks by Consul General Beth Payne,” it said.
To get a real feel of the US presidential poll, the whole arena would be decorated with colourful festoons and confetti highlighting the typical American theme in red and blue.
“There will be life-size cutouts of the two presidential candidates – John McCain and Barack Obama – inside the watch centre venue to add more glitter to the event. In addition to that, refreshments and various American menus would also be served at the makeshift watch centre in Kolkata also,” the statement added.
The 2008 elections are significant for several factors. If Republican John McCain wins, he will be the oldest person, at the age of 72, to be elected president for a first term, and he will also have Sarah Palin as America’s first woman vice-president.
On the other hand, if elected, Democrat Barack Obama will be the country’s first African-American president.
“The participants at the watch centre will get opportunities to discuss the historical facts during the day-long session Nov 5 when Americans decide who will it be – Obama or McCain,” the statement said.