Democrats Abroad Back Tsongas

American Democrats living in 22 nations backed Paul E. Tsongas on Monday in their first Iowa-style caucuses.

The former Massachusetts senator was well ahead of his nearest rival, Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, according to returns from 18 nations where straw polls were held. Results from the other four countries were not ready late Monday.

In London, Democrats gathered at the elegant Liberal Club to caucus, forming groups and choosing representatives based on the candidate they support. Meanwhile, officials compiled votes from Democrats from the Far East to Latin America. Many of the expatriates had never taken part in a caucus before.

“It’s an attempt to make the political experience a more active one,” said Peter Alegi, chairman of Democrats Abroad. “We’ve sent out very detailed packets of information as to how caucuses should be conducted.”

Tsongas had 36.8% of the vote from the 18 nations; Clinton had 26.6%; former California Gov. Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr., 12.2%; Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, who dropped out of the race Monday, 6.9%; and 17.5% went to others.

Democrats Abroad will have nine votes--shared among 22 delegates--of more than 4,000 votes at the Democratic National Convention; 2,145 are needed to win the nomination.