IN the pervasive silence at the Crescent Star Party's (PBB) headquarters, party secretary Hendry worked extra hard to stay focused. He depressed the buttons of a telephone to dial out, spoke into the receiver, scribbled on a sheet of paper, and then laughed a little to himself. Nearby in the hush of the logistics room, several men shuffled back and forth, ferrying bags filled with party banners and T-shirts. No activity of any significance br