Polls opened several hours ago on the east coast of the U.S., as Americans vote in what many believe will be the most fateful midterm elections in over a decade. Most polls in Congressional districts around the country indicate that the Republicans are set to score a big victory, retaking the House of Representatives and seriously eroding the Democrat majority in the Senate.

Although he is not running for office, most commentators believe that the elections - and the negative results forecast for the Democrats - is a referendum on President Barack H. Obama's policies.