The US presidential election of 7 November 2000 remains one of the most contentious in American history, pitting Republican George W Bush against Democrat Al Gore in a contest marked by razor-thin margins and controversial vote-counting practices.
As Americans cast their ballots, no clear winner emerged on election night, with Florida's electoral votes holding the decisive power to tip the balance.
The ensuing recount, rife with allegations of irregularities, led to a legal showdown that ultimately saw the Supreme Court intervene.
On 12 December, in a narrow 5-4 decision, the Court ruled to halt Florida's recount, effectively awarding the presidency to Bush.
This contentious ruling sparked debates over electoral fairness and judicial influence, leaving a lasting impact on US politics and trust in the democratic process.
