2008 Press Release
High Turnout to Watch Historic U.S. Presidential Election (11/05/2008)
On November 5, over 350 people gathered from 6:00 am to noon at Tashkent's Intercontinental Hotel to watch the U.S. President Elections results come in - live! The Uzbek crowd joined billions around the world captivated by America's lively political process that elected the United States' first African-American President - Barack Obama.
University and high school students, NGO leaders, journalists, cultural stars, Uzbek government officials, educators, business leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and Americans living in Uzbekistan observed the election results on two massive screens broadcasting CNN and BBC. Large wall banners displayed information about the Electoral College, and the Republican and Democratic candidates' platforms. Volunteers - including many former exchanges students who have observed U.S. elections firsthand - shared their insights and explained the U.S. political process to guests.
A majority of attendees were young people. They actively participated in the morning's events. Guests cast their votes in a mock presidential election and mock citizens' referendum on banning smoking in public buildings in Uzbekistan. They tested their skills in a trivia quiz on U.S. Elections and had their picture taken with life-size, stand-up photos of the presidential candidates. Decorated with the political buttons of their favorite presidential candidate, guests snapped up informational materials on the U.S. electoral process.
The morning featured a number of important remarks. The crowd listened intently to Senator John McCain's concession speech and President-Elect Barack Obama's victory speech. U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Richard Norland stressed the historic nature of this election in his remarks, reading excerpts from slain civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
All present at the event, McCain and Obama supporters alike, appreciated the significance of watching "history in the making" with President-Elect Obama's election victory.
Additional Statements on the U.S. Presidential Election:
Statement by Secretary Rice on Obama's Presidential Victory
