Guests of the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) in Finland gathered at the Sokos Hotel Presidentti in Helsinki to follow the ballot count and the outcome of a closely-fought race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Governor Mitt Romney.
According to Amcham, election watch participants gathered as early as 3.00 am, with some staying until 9.00 am to listen to the re-elected President deliver his victory speech.
US Ambassador to Finland, Bruce Oreck welcomed Obama’s re-election. He said Obama won because he addressed the issues that were most important to Americans.
"Because in the end he spoke to the middle ground on fundamental things: women’s rights, health care, a global view on foreign policy, a pro-environment position, pro new technologies and innovation,” Oreck said.
“He spoke to the things a majority of Americans think are important so therefore he was returned to office, it’s just that simple,” the Ambassador added.
Other Americans resident in Finland also monitored coverage of the vote count. Yle spoke to two women who were equally enthusiastic about the outcome.
“I heaved a big sigh of relief this morning, when I woke up and checked Twitter and he had won,” said Ann Marie Morrow.
Caren Salo felt Obama’s re-election marked a turning point for Americans living abroad.
“I think it will impact all Americans who live overseas, because we have been instructed ... to not advertise that we are Americans and I hope that we are getting back to the place where we can be proud of who we are,” she said.