The voting process for the United States" 47th presidential election is underway, with polling stations opening at 5am local time in the eastern state of Vermont (12:00 GMT). Polling hours will extend for 12 to 14 hours across various states.
Approximately 186 million voters across the 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible to vote.
With early voting and mail-in options available in most states, over 80 million people have already cast their ballots.
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Despite the commencement of voting, all eyes remain on who will eventually secure the keys to the White House.
The world waits to see if the United States will elect its first female president or if former President Donald Trump will reclaim the seat of power for a second term.
International media reports suggest Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, stands on the brink of a historic victory.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, seeks redemption following his previous electoral defeat.
Polls indicate a close and fiercely competitive race.
The battle for the White House is expected to remain intense until the final votes are counted. Many voters are likely to make their decision at the last moment, and the "silent" undecided voters could play a pivotal role.
Therefore, the final result remains unpredictable until official announcements are made.
Kamala Harris, a dedicated public servant from California, currently serves as the vice president. Her rival, Donald Trump, is not only a former president but also among America"s wealthiest individuals.
This election holds significance not only for the American electorate but also for a world grappling with economic challenges and global conflicts.
In addition to Harris and Trump, other candidates are vying for the presidency, including Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Libertarian Party’s Chase Oliver, independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr (who has withdrawn yet remains on most ballots), and independent candidate Cornel West.
Only American citizens are permitted to vote in the presidential election, with eligibility requirements including a minimum age of 18 on or before election day, alongside varying residency requirements across states.
As of September, 186 million Americans were registered to vote, meaning that eight out of every ten eligible voters have registered.
US presidential election system is notably complex, as the president is not elected directly by popular vote.
Instead, the 50 states and the District of Columbia collectively hold 538 electoral votes.
To win, a candidate must secure 270 electoral votes. Each state has a designated number of electoral votes, and the winning candidate in a state typically receives all its electoral votes—a system known as "winner-takes-all."
In this election, seven swing states hold significant sway in determining the outcome.
These states include Wisconsin (10 electoral votes), Pennsylvania (19), Arizona (11), Georgia (16), Michigan (15), Nevada (6), and North Carolina (16). Washington, D.C. holds three electoral votes.
Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris ascends to the White House will have considerable implications for global geopolitics over the next four years.
Their leadership will shape strategic decisions and political manoeuvres on both a regional and international level.
The global community anticipates a stable and constructive approach to international relations, with hopes for a peaceful diplomatic framework.
Each electoral jurisdiction has established its own closing times for polling stations, with unique regulations governing the counting of ballots and the acceptance of mail-in votes.
Consequently, the final results in some states may not be available until the day following the election or even later.
During the 2020 presidential election, several days passed before results were fully confirmed.
This year may similarly require a prolonged wait for the official declaration of the new president and other key officeholders, potentially extending beyond 5 November.
