London: For the first time, the results of the historic general election in Britain were projected onto Big Ben, the iconic clock tower here at Westminster, providing a clear and simple source of information to the common man.
The number of seats won by the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats along with those gained by the smaller parties and independents combined were constantly updated last night as part of an initiative between the BBC and British Parliament.
The projection was beamed onto the southern face of Big Ben, one of the world`s most famous tourist attractions.
Minutes after polls closed, the details of an exit poll was also beamed onto Big Ben, under an agreement between the BBC, ITN and Sky News.
The results projection featured a "winning line", representing the 326 seats that any party will need to win to be sure of an outright victory.
The idea behind projecting the results was to provide a clear and simple source of information and an arresting image, the BBC said.
"This is a historic election," said Craig Oliver, editor of the BBC`s Election Night programme.
Big Ben is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009.
The present tower was raised as a part of Charles Barry`s design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on the night of October 16, 1834.
The tower, designed in Gothic Revival style, is 96.3 metres high or roughly 16 stories.
PTI
