Life of Guangzhou - Americans and Locals in GZ Celebrate U.S. Presidential Election in Real Time

U.S. Presidential Election results covered in real time

On November 5th the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) invited the community at large to join AmCham members, foreign Consuls General, families and friends to its “2008 U.S. Presidential Election Party” in Guangzhou. The event featured live television coverage of election results in real time, along with games, prizes, food and beverages, all free of charge.

“We celebrate political events in the United States in the same way we celebrate national holidays—with food, fun and friends,” said AmCham South China president, Harley Seyedin. “And we wanted to share this celebration with anybody who is interested in watching the U.S. choose its next leader, in real time.”

Beginning at 8 a.m., as the first results from the east coast of the U.S. were revealed and as the voting on the west coast came to an end, the party was open to the public. An estimated 1,000 people attended.

Representatives from the U.S. Consulate were present, answering questions about the electoral process and enjoying the festivities alongside businesspeople, families and students, much in the way this iconic American practice is celebrated ‘back home’.

About the American Chamber of Commerce in South China

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Certified in 1995 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., AmCham South China represents more than 1,200 corporate and individual members, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and International companies doing business in South China.

(Reported by Roanld Li, Zhu Yanshan and Stephen Roach)

Representatives from the U.S. Consulate answering questions about the electoral process.

Take a photo with ‘Obama’!

Representatives from the U.S. Consulate announcing results from individual states.

American Consul General in Guangzhou Robert Goldberg answers questions.

American Consul General in Guangzhou Robert Goldberg(L) and AmCham South China president Harley Seyedin deliver a congratulatory speech after the election results.

Participants watch live television coverage of election results in real time.

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