Belgians 'Can Predict US Election Result'

The Belgium-based Center for Body Language has developed an online system which uses webcams to analyze facial expressions, and claims thereby to be able to predict the outcome of the US presidential elections.

The firm studies subtle facial expressions, also called 'micro expressions', to recognize emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise, which it says are displayed in the same way in every culture.

The new system has been developed to measure which statements during speeches attract people and what turns them off. It also provides insights on how Democrats feel about Romney, what emotions Republicans experience while watching Obama, and how independents and foreigners perceive both candidates.

Founder Patryk Wezowski says that by measuring the emotions of people watching the presidential candidates' speeches, it is possible to discover what they really feel and think about each candidate.

Wezowski adds: 'Our results are surprisingly different from what the polls say. By being able to detect precisely what emotions each fragment of the candidates' speeches evokes, the study reports on how the candidates will perform in the election.'

Web sites: www.centerforbodylanguage.com and www.presidentialelectionprediction.com .