TV networks delay election call to avoid another fiasco

FEARS of a repeat of the 2000 presidential election fiasco are expected to delay results from yesterday’s crucial mid-term vote that could shift the balance of power in Washington.

TV networks, which twice had to make embarrassing retractions during coverage of the battle between George Bush and Al Gore, are being more cautious in their reporting of the tense clash over control for the US Congress.

Projected results about whether the Republicans have picked up the one seat they need to seize power in the Senate are not expected until the early hours.