Iranian newspapers voiced concern on Sunday about the potential turnout for next month's presidential poll, a day after candidate registration ended with several heavyweights joining the race.

The reformist press was particularly worried, arguing that a low turnout would favour the conservative camp as in legislative elections last year.

According to the election committee, close to 600 hopefuls including 40 women have registered for the June 18 vote to elect a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-presidential-poll-2021-former-parliament-speaker-ali-larijani-files-nomination-385324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But only a handful will be allowed to run after vetting by the Guardian Council, a conservative-dominated, unelected body in charge of overseeing elections.

According to the reformist Shargh daily, "various polls" show that "more than half" of eligible voters are expected to stay away.

The election is already widely viewed as a likely showdown between conservative Ali Larijani, a former parliament speaker, and ultraconservative judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-set-for-presidential-showdown-between-heavyweights-larijani-raisi-385281">Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi</a>

A record 57 per cent of Iranian voters stayed away from the February 2020 legislative elections.

This was attributed to the disqualification of thousands of candidates, many of them reformists and moderates, as well as voter disappointment with the economy and Rouhani's performance.&nbsp;

'Suffering, discontent'

Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers was expected to rejuvenate Iran's economy by lifting punishing sanctions.

But those hopes were dashed three years later as the US pulled out and unilaterally reimposed sanctions, leaving much of Rouhani's second term tainted by a battered economy and unfulfilled promises.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ex-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-submits-name-for-presidential-poll-384800">Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll</a>

The government-run Iran daily called for authorities to "guarantee the presence of candidates from (different) political orientations" to promote a "formidable turnout".

It warned that Guardian Council disqualifications run a risk of fuelling public "frustration" when the Islamic republic needs a high "level of turnout".

The ultra-conservative daily Javan called the election "more important" than previous polls due to the economic and social crises and the ongoing talks between Iran and world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-find-their-voices-on-clubhouse-ahead-of-poll-385289">Iranians find their voices on Clubhouse ahead of poll</a>

It also called for a big turnout to show "strong support for the system".

But the reformist publication Etemad, quoting analysts, voiced "concern" about the level of voter confidence at a time of "economic suffering and political discontent".

Iranian newspapers voiced concern on Sunday about the potential turnout for next month's presidential poll, a day after candidate registration ended with several heavyweights joining the race.

Iranian newspapers voiced concern on Sunday about the potential turnout for next month's presidential poll, a day after candidate registration ended with several heavyweights joining the race. The reformist press was particularly worried, arguing that a low turnout would favour the conservative camp as in legislative elections last year. According to the election committee, close to 600 hopefuls including 40 women have registered for the June 18 vote to elect a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term. But only a handful will be allowed to run after vetting by the Guardian Council, a conservative-dominated, unelected body in charge of overseeing elections. According to the reformist Shargh daily, "various polls" show that "more than half" of eligible voters are expected to stay away. The election is already widely viewed as a likely showdown between conservative Ali Larijani, a former parliament speaker, and ultraconservative judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi. Also read | Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi A record 57 per cent of Iranian voters stayed away from the February 2020 legislative elections. This was attributed to the disqualification of thousands of candidates, many of them reformists and moderates, as well as voter disappointment with the economy and Rouhani's performance. 'Suffering, discontent' Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers was expected to rejuvenate Iran's economy by lifting punishing sanctions. But those hopes were dashed three years later as the US pulled out and unilaterally reimposed sanctions, leaving much of Rouhani's second term tainted by a battered economy and unfulfilled promises. Also read | Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll The government-run Iran daily called for authorities to "guarantee the presence of candidates from (different) political orientations" to promote a "formidable turnout". It warned that Guardian Council disqualifications run a risk of fuelling public "frustration" when the Islamic republic needs a high "level of turnout". The ultra-conservative daily Javan called the election "more important" than previous polls due to the economic and social crises and the ongoing talks between Iran and world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Also read | Iranians find their voices on Clubhouse ahead of poll It also called for a big turnout to show "strong support for the system". But the reformist publication Etemad, quoting analysts, voiced "concern" about the level of voter confidence at a time of "economic suffering and political discontent".

Iran press voices concern over presidential poll turnout

Two Iranian political&nbsp;heavyweights, ultra-conservative Ebrahim&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;and moderate conservative Ali&nbsp;Larijani, on Saturday, launched what may be the main battle in next month's&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election.

Hopefuls have been registering ahead of June 18 polls to select a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term.

First to throw down the gauntlet on Saturday was&nbsp;Larijani, a long-time parliament speaker and now advisor to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, submitting his name at the interior ministry early on the final day of registration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ex-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-submits-name-for-presidential-poll-384800">Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll</a>

Then it was the turn of judiciary chief and one-time&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;hopeful&nbsp;Raisi, who was Rouhani's leading rival in 2017 elections, to announce his own candidacy.

While several other hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, "the main clash will be&nbsp;between&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;and Mr.&nbsp;Larijani," Masoud Bastani, a Tehran-based journalist told AFP.

"The first represents the ultraconservative faction and part of traditional conservatives ... and the second the traditional conservatives and moderates, and by proxy, reformists," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-cancels-meet-with-austrian-counterpart-over-israel-flag-385241">Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag</a>

Since registration to run in the election began Tuesday, more than 300 hopefuls have submitted bids to stand, according to the interior ministry.

Others who registered on Saturday included secretary of the Expediency Council and ex-commander of Revolutionary Guards General Mohsen Rezai,&nbsp;Iran's ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and Rouhani's first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-revokes-trump-executive-order-against-social-media-platforms-385229">Joe Biden revokes Trump executive order against social media platforms</a>

All the hopefuls will be vetted by the conservative-dominated Guardian Council, who will publish a list of approved candidates by May 27, after which campaigning begins.

'A rival to corruption'

Larijani&nbsp;threw the first jab at&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;and at several other candidates with military backgrounds, in a press conference after registering.

"The economy is neither a garrison nor a court that would be managed with shouts and orders," he told reporters.

He said he had put his name into the race because he felt that other&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;hopefuls were not capable of solving the country's "main problem" -- the sanctions-hit economy.

Larijani&nbsp;is a supporter of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which had offered&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;relief from sanctions in return for limitations on its nuclear activities.

The deal has been on life-support since former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from it in 2018, and reimposed punishing sanctions on Tehran.

Larijani&nbsp;also accused anyone "promising paradise" of "speaking falsely".

Raisi, in comments seemingly aimed at Rouhani's camp and allies like&nbsp;Larijani, said those responsible for&nbsp;Iran's "current situation cannot be those who change the current situation".

He told journalists he was "a rival to corruption, inefficiency and aristocracy" and urged "even those who feel hopeless" to vote.

In a statement,&nbsp;Raisi&nbsp;also said he came forward because of "public demand," and aims to run "independently in order to bring about a change in the executive management of the country".

'Smart relations'

Raisi&nbsp;was deputy prosecutor at the Revolutionary Court of Tehran during the 1980-88&nbsp;Iran-Iraq war that broke out shortly after the Islamic revolution.

Human rights organisations, exiled opposition members and dissidents have accused the tribunal of overseeing the execution of political prisoners without due legal process during his tenure.

Raisi&nbsp;was appointed by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2019 to lead the judiciary, taking over from Sadegh Amoli&nbsp;Larijani, Ali's brother.

This is&nbsp;Larijani's second run for the presidency. He ran in 2005, which saw a surprise victory by the ultraconservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- who has also put his name in to run this year.&nbsp;

Seen today as a prominent establishment figure,&nbsp;Larijani&nbsp;was at the time in charge of&nbsp;Iran's nuclear negotiations with the West, a post he quit two years later over serious disagreements with Ahmadinejad.

He then went on to be parliament speaker from 2008 to 2020.

Larijani&nbsp;proved to be a key ally of Rouhani, elected in 2013 on a platform of ending&nbsp;Iran's international isolation by reaching a nuclear agreement -- something eventually signed two years later.

Larijani's candidacy comes as&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and world powers hold in talks in Vienna, seeking to revive the deal.

Voicing hope that the talks give&nbsp;Iran's economy "breathing space", he called for "smart relations with the West, strong and constructive relations with the East, and brotherly relations with our neighbours".

The nuclear accord has been a constant target of criticism by Rouhani's opponents, and its fate is expected to one of the major issues in the June poll.

Two Iranian political heavyweights, ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raisi and moderate conservative Ali Larijani, on Saturday, launched what may be the main battle in next month's presidential election.

Two Iranian political heavyweights, ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raisi and moderate conservative Ali Larijani, on Saturday, launched what may be the main battle in next month's presidential election. Hopefuls have been registering ahead of June 18 polls to select a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term. First to throw down the gauntlet on Saturday was Larijani, a long-time parliament speaker and now advisor to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, submitting his name at the interior ministry early on the final day of registration. Also read | Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll Then it was the turn of judiciary chief and one-time presidential hopeful Raisi, who was Rouhani's leading rival in 2017 elections, to announce his own candidacy. While several other hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, "the main clash will be between Mr. Raisi and Mr. Larijani," Masoud Bastani, a Tehran-based journalist told AFP. "The first represents the ultraconservative faction and part of traditional conservatives ... and the second the traditional conservatives and moderates, and by proxy, reformists," he added. Also read | Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag Since registration to run in the election began Tuesday, more than 300 hopefuls have submitted bids to stand, according to the interior ministry. Others who registered on Saturday included secretary of the Expediency Council and ex-commander of Revolutionary Guards General Mohsen Rezai, Iran's ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and Rouhani's first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri. Also read | Joe Biden revokes Trump executive order against social media platforms All the hopefuls will be vetted by the conservative-dominated Guardian Council, who will publish a list of approved candidates by May 27, after which campaigning begins. 'A rival to corruption' Larijani threw the first jab at Raisi and at several other candidates with military backgrounds, in a press conference after registering. "The economy is neither a garrison nor a court that would be managed with shouts and orders," he told reporters. He said he had put his name into the race because he felt that other presidential hopefuls were not capable of solving the country's "main problem" -- the sanctions-hit economy. Larijani is a supporter of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which had offered Iran relief from sanctions in return for limitations on its nuclear activities. The deal has been on life-support since former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from it in 2018, and reimposed punishing sanctions on Tehran. Larijani also accused anyone "promising paradise" of "speaking falsely". Raisi, in comments seemingly aimed at Rouhani's camp and allies like Larijani, said those responsible for Iran's "current situation cannot be those who change the current situation". He told journalists he was "a rival to corruption, inefficiency and aristocracy" and urged "even those who feel hopeless" to vote. In a statement, Raisi also said he came forward because of "public demand," and aims to run "independently in order to bring about a change in the executive management of the country". 'Smart relations' Raisi was deputy prosecutor at the Revolutionary Court of Tehran during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war that broke out shortly after the Islamic revolution. Human rights organisations, exiled opposition members and dissidents have accused the tribunal of overseeing the execution of political prisoners without due legal process during his tenure. Raisi was appointed by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2019 to lead the judiciary, taking over from Sadegh Amoli Larijani, Ali's brother. This is Larijani's second run for the presidency. He ran in 2005, which saw a surprise victory by the ultraconservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- who has also put his name in to run this year. Seen today as a prominent establishment figure, Larijani was at the time in charge of Iran's nuclear negotiations with the West, a post he quit two years later over serious disagreements with Ahmadinejad. He then went on to be parliament speaker from 2008 to 2020. Larijani proved to be a key ally of Rouhani, elected in 2013 on a platform of ending Iran's international isolation by reaching a nuclear agreement -- something eventually signed two years later. Larijani's candidacy comes as Iran and world powers hold in talks in Vienna, seeking to revive the deal. Voicing hope that the talks give Iran's economy "breathing space", he called for "smart relations with the West, strong and constructive relations with the East, and brotherly relations with our neighbours". The nuclear accord has been a constant target of criticism by Rouhani's opponents, and its fate is expected to one of the major issues in the June poll.

Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi

Brazil's Ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been cleared of corruption charges by a Supreme Court judge. This has now cleared a path of a possible run in next year's presidential election.

Brazil: Supreme Court judges clears Lula of corruption charges

In Niger, votes have begun to count in the presidential run-off that will usher in the first democratic handover of the power in the country's history. During Niger's presidential vote on Sunday, 7 election workers were killed when their vehicle struck a landmine.

Niger holds historic Presidential polls

Portugal is holding its presidential elections amidst a pretty strict COVID-19 lockdown but many fears that the polls could worsen the surge in the number of Coronavirus cases.

Portugal holds presidential polls amidst COVID-19 surge

African country Niger is all set to votes in an general election today to elect its next president that is expected to lead to the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country reeling from Islamist violence.

Niger braces for first democratic transition of power

European stocks hit two-week highs on strong earnings results and after the BofE increased its already huge bond-buying stimulus by 150 billion pounds ($195 billion), or about 50 billion pounds more than expected.

How is Europe reacting to the US presidential elections 2020?

As the vote count continues in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-election-2020-how-facebook-twitter-differ-on-labelling-trumps-election-posts-340642">US elections 2020</a>, exit poll results indicated Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden has won the battleground state of Michigan. |&nbsp;US elections<a href="US elections LIVE updates: As vote count continues, Biden, Trump supporters conduct march"> LIVE updates: As vote count continues, Biden, Trump supporters conduct march</a>

Watch:&nbsp;

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The state was earlier won by President Trump during the 2016 elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-can-united-states-supreme-court-be-the-final-arbiter-340619">Also Read:&nbsp;Can United States Supreme Court be the final arbiter?</a>

US news networks - CNN and NBC News had projected a win for Biden taking his total electoral college to 264 which is now six short of the magic 270 needed to declare victory. However, the numbers are still exit poll figures even as election officers continue to count the votes after the November 3<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-ritchie-torres-first-openly-gay-afro-latino-member-of-congress-340525"> elections </a>held on Wednesday.

Michigan accounts for 16 electoral votes.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign team has filed a lawsuit in Georgia asking officials to pause counting of the votes of the states for the US Presidential election.

"President Trump and his team are fighting for the good of the nation to uphold the rule of law, and Georgia’s law is very clear: to legally count, mail ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day," deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said in a statement.

Reports said Trump's team is also seeking to file similar lawsuits in Michigan and Pennsylvania even as election <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-registers-highest-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-amid-elections-340645">vote</a> count continues in the United States.

As the vote count continues in US elections 2020, exit poll results indicated Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden has won the battleground state of Michigan.

As the vote count continues in US elections 2020, exit poll results indicated Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden has won the battleground state of Michigan. | US elections LIVE updates: As vote count continues, Biden, Trump supporters conduct march Watch: The state was earlier won by President Trump during the 2016 elections. Also Read: Can United States Supreme Court be the final arbiter? US news networks - CNN and NBC News had projected a win for Biden taking his total electoral college to 264 which is now six short of the magic 270 needed to declare victory. However, the numbers are still exit poll figures even as election officers continue to count the votes after the November 3 elections held on Wednesday. Michigan accounts for 16 electoral votes. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign team has filed a lawsuit in Georgia asking officials to pause counting of the votes of the states for the US Presidential election. "President Trump and his team are fighting for the good of the nation to uphold the rule of law, and Georgia’s law is very clear: to legally count, mail ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day," deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said in a statement. Reports said Trump's team is also seeking to file similar lawsuits in Michigan and Pennsylvania even as election vote count continues in the United States.

Biden set to win Michigan battleground state: Exit poll

What's America's edge of tomorrow, Biden needs 6 electoral votes to win. Trump playing his cards for president chair, Who is going to be the next president of America?

US Election 2020:Election Results On A Knife Edge

As polling came to a close in six US states including the key battleground state in Georgia, Edison Research projected a win for US President Donald Trump in Indiana in the US elections. According to newswire AP, the US president is also set to win in Kentucky.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-pennsylvania-county-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-340293">| Live update:&nbsp;Polls close in first six US states</a>

Watch:

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According to US network CBS, Trump is leading in West Virginia.&nbsp;Trump is also projected to win in Oklahoma, Tennessee which he had won in 2016 as well.

Trump is also leading in Georgia, CBS poll said. According to AP, President Trump is set to take&nbsp;Arkansas. According to US media, the US president is also set to win&nbsp;South Carolina,&nbsp;Idaho including Ohio.

The US networks have also projected Trump to win in&nbsp;Montana and&nbsp;Texas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238">Also Read:&nbsp;Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump</a>

According to US networks, the US president is also&nbsp;set to take&nbsp;Missouri, Nebraska and Utah.

President Trump tweeted minutes earlier as the first six states closed their polling saying the Republicans were "looking really good all over the country".

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WE ARE LOOKING REALLY GOOD ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THANK YOU!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1323765884268224514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US President had said earlier that Americans "should know who won on November 3" referring to early results and clear vote count.

"You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3," the US President said during his visit to Republican National Committee offices in Arlington, Virginia.

As polling came to a close in six US states including the key battleground state in Georgia, Edison Research projected a win for US President Donald Trump in Indiana in the US elections.

As polling came to a close in six US states including the key battleground state in Georgia, Edison Research projected a win for US President Donald Trump in Indiana in the US elections. According to newswire AP, the US president is also set to win in Kentucky.| Live update: Polls close in first six US states Watch: According to US network CBS, Trump is leading in West Virginia. Trump is also projected to win in Oklahoma, Tennessee which he had won in 2016 as well. Trump is also leading in Georgia, CBS poll said. According to AP, President Trump is set to take Arkansas. According to US media, the US president is also set to win South Carolina, Idaho including Ohio. The US networks have also projected Trump to win in Montana and Texas. Also Read: Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump According to US networks, the US president is also set to take Missouri, Nebraska and Utah. President Trump tweeted minutes earlier as the first six states closed their polling saying the Republicans were "looking really good all over the country". WE ARE LOOKING REALLY GOOD ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THANK YOU! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020 × The US President had said earlier that Americans "should know who won on November 3" referring to early results and clear vote count. "You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3," the US President said during his visit to Republican National Committee offices in Arlington, Virginia.

US Election Result 2020: Trump set to win in Ohio, Texas, Kentucky: Exit poll

As counting for the US election 2020 begins, Sarah McBride became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">United States' </a>first openly transgender state senator after claiming a seat in Delaware on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

"We did it," McBride wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night. after her victory.

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We did it. We won the general election. 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahEMcBride/status/1323805041820602371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: US media projects Biden at 131 electoral votes, Trump at 95</a>

In 2016, she made history after she became the first openly transgender person to speak at any major-party convention in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-biden-set-to-win-in-new-york-colorado-vermont-delaware-say-exit-polls-340307">US Election Result 2020: Biden set to win in New York, Colorado, Vermont &amp; Delaware, say exit polls</a>

Currently, there are four openly transgender state legislators: Virginia state Del. Danica Roem; Colorado state Rep. Brianna Titone; and New Hampshire state Reps. Lisa Bunker and Gerri Cannon and McBride will be the first Senator.&nbsp;

McBride's campaign this time focussed around affordable health care, improving minimum wage and school funding, among other issues.&nbsp;

"From the start, I knew I wanted to be the healthcare and paid leave candidate," said McBride to The News Journal.&nbsp;

"Even before COVID, people were feeling that need. This has just reinforced and deepened that need. For Delawareans, for those in poverty, those struggling through the pandemic, the issues we're talking about aren't abstract."&nbsp;

As counting for the US election 2020 begins, Sarah McBride became the United States' first openly transgender state senator after claiming a seat in Delaware on Tuesday night.

As counting for the US election 2020 begins, Sarah McBride became the United States' first openly transgender state senator after claiming a seat in Delaware on Tuesday night. "We did it," McBride wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night. after her victory. We did it. We won the general election. Thank you, thank you, thank you. — Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 4, 2020 × Also read | US election 2020 result LIVE updates: US media projects Biden at 131 electoral votes, Trump at 95 In 2016, she made history after she became the first openly transgender person to speak at any major-party convention in the country. Also read | US Election Result 2020: Biden set to win in New York, Colorado, Vermont & Delaware, say exit polls Currently, there are four openly transgender state legislators: Virginia state Del. Danica Roem; Colorado state Rep. Brianna Titone; and New Hampshire state Reps. Lisa Bunker and Gerri Cannon and McBride will be the first Senator. McBride's campaign this time focussed around affordable health care, improving minimum wage and school funding, among other issues. "From the start, I knew I wanted to be the healthcare and paid leave candidate," said McBride to The News Journal. "Even before COVID, people were feeling that need. This has just reinforced and deepened that need. For Delawareans, for those in poverty, those struggling through the pandemic, the issues we're talking about aren't abstract."

US election 2020: Sarah McBride creates history, becomes nation's first transgender senator

As counting began in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-key-battleground-tracker-trump-set-to-win-in-florida-340321">US elections 2020</a> today, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden spoke from his home state Delaware calling for patience as election officials count the votes. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293">| Live Update -&nbsp;Trump predicts 'big WIN'</a>.

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Biden who leads in the exit polls with over 200 electoral votes said that he believed he is "on track" to win the US elections 2020.

"I believe we are on track to win the elections," he said, adding, "I'm optimistic about this outcome."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-cuts-guest-list-of-white-house-party-says-he-may-address-the-nation-340332">Also Read:&nbsp;Donald Trump cuts guest list of White House party</a>

"We are feeling good about where we are," the Democratic presidential hopeful said.

"We knew because of unprecedented early mail-in votes, we will know till every vote, every ballot is counted."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-they-are-trying-to-steal-the-elections-alleges-trump-340404">Also Read:&nbsp;They are trying to steal the elections, alleges Trump</a>

"We are feeling confident about Arizona, Minnesota and we are still in the game in Georgia, although we didn't expect it," Biden stated, adding, "we are feeling confident about Wisconsin."&nbsp;

"We are going to win in Pennsylvania."

"We will know the results by tomorrow morning," he said.

US President Trump is set to make a statement later tonight.

According to exit polls by US networks, Biden is set to take Vermont. If the projections come true then, then Trump would win 24 electoral votes with Biden winning 16.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-long-is-this-going-to-take-americans-settle-in-to-wait-340363">Also Read:&nbsp;How long is this going to take? Americans settle in to wait</a>

Biden is also set to win in his home state of Delaware, according to US networks. According to CNN projects, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is also set to take New Jersey. Biden is also set to take New York.

US media also projected Joe Biden to win&nbsp;from New Mexico. Biden is also projected to win New Hamshire.

According to US media's electoral college projections, Joe Biden is leading with 209 to Trump's 116 votes.

As counting began in the US elections 2020 today, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden spoke from his home state Delaware calling for patience as election officials count the votes.

As counting began in the US elections 2020 today, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden spoke from his home state Delaware calling for patience as election officials count the votes. | Live Update - Trump predicts 'big WIN'. Watch: Biden who leads in the exit polls with over 200 electoral votes said that he believed he is "on track" to win the US elections 2020. "I believe we are on track to win the elections," he said, adding, "I'm optimistic about this outcome." Also Read: Donald Trump cuts guest list of White House party "We are feeling good about where we are," the Democratic presidential hopeful said. "We knew because of unprecedented early mail-in votes, we will know till every vote, every ballot is counted." Also Read: They are trying to steal the elections, alleges Trump "We are feeling confident about Arizona, Minnesota and we are still in the game in Georgia, although we didn't expect it," Biden stated, adding, "we are feeling confident about Wisconsin." "We are going to win in Pennsylvania." "We will know the results by tomorrow morning," he said. US President Trump is set to make a statement later tonight. According to exit polls by US networks, Biden is set to take Vermont. If the projections come true then, then Trump would win 24 electoral votes with Biden winning 16. Also Read: How long is this going to take? Americans settle in to wait Biden is also set to win in his home state of Delaware, according to US networks. According to CNN projects, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is also set to take New Jersey. Biden is also set to take New York. US media also projected Joe Biden to win from New Mexico. Biden is also projected to win New Hamshire. According to US media's electoral college projections, Joe Biden is leading with 209 to Trump's 116 votes.

US Election Result 2020: We are on track to win the elections, says Joe Biden

According to US media exit poll results, President Donald Trump has won Florida beating his Democratic rival Joe Biden in the vital battleground state of Florida.

The key battleground states will finally answer the question on whether President Trump wins a second term or Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden makes it to the White House. |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293"> Live Updates-&nbsp;Trump and Biden pick up several states as polls begin to close</a>

Both contenders need to win the major figure of 270 electoral votes to win the US Elections 2020.

The key battleground states&nbsp;include North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Arizona,&nbsp;Texas and&nbsp;Wisconsin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-trump-set-to-win-in-indiana-kentucky-oklahoma-tennessee-exit-poll-340300">Also Read |&nbsp;Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee: Exit Poll</a>

According to CBS projection, Trump and Biden are neck-and-neck in North Carolina.&nbsp;

In Pennsylvania, Trump is leading with 53 per cent votes and Biden is behind with 45 per cent votes.

In Georgia which is a major battleground state, Trump again leads Biden leading with 55 per cent votes against 43 per cent by the Democratic presidential hopeful. In Arizona, however, Biden is ahead with 53 per cent votes with Trump getting 45 per cent votes so far.

According to US media exit poll results, President Donald Trump has won Florida beating his Democratic rival Joe Biden in the vital battleground state of Florida.

According to US media exit poll results, President Donald Trump has won Florida beating his Democratic rival Joe Biden in the vital battleground state of Florida. The key battleground states will finally answer the question on whether President Trump wins a second term or Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden makes it to the White House. | Live Updates- Trump and Biden pick up several states as polls begin to close Both contenders need to win the major figure of 270 electoral votes to win the US Elections 2020. The key battleground states include North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Arizona, Texas and Wisconsin. Also Read | Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee: Exit Poll According to CBS projection, Trump and Biden are neck-and-neck in North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, Trump is leading with 53 per cent votes and Biden is behind with 45 per cent votes. In Georgia which is a major battleground state, Trump again leads Biden leading with 55 per cent votes against 43 per cent by the Democratic presidential hopeful. In Arizona, however, Biden is ahead with 53 per cent votes with Trump getting 45 per cent votes so far.

US Election Result 2020: Key battleground tracker - Trump set to win in Florida

As polls closed in US states, exit polls showed Democratic presidential hopeful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-trump-biden-eye-florida-as-battleground-states-hold-sway-340285">Joe Biden</a> is set to win in Virginia even as US President Donald Trump is set to clinch West Virginia.&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-pennsylvania-county-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-340293">US elections 2020 Live Updates</a>

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/agencies-joe-biden-wins-new-jersey-delaware-us-election-2020-340331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to exit polls by US networks, Biden is set to take Vermont. If the projections come true then, then Trump would win 24 electoral votes with Biden winning 16.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-set-to-win-in-indiana-kentucky-exit-poll-340300">Also Read |&nbsp;Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky: Exit Poll</a>&nbsp;

Biden is also set to win in his&nbsp;home state of Delaware, according to US networks.&nbsp;According to CNN projects, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is also set to take New Jersey. Biden is also set to take New York.

US media also projected Joe Biden winning from New Mexico. Biden is also projected to win New Hamshire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-elections-2020-on-election-day-wall-street-ends-on-a-high-dow-up-over-2-340279">Also Read:&nbsp;On election day, Wall Street ends on a high; Dow up over 2%</a>

According to US media's&nbsp;electoral college projections, Joe Biden is leading with 209&nbsp;to Trump's 116&nbsp;votes.

The polling numbers have been strong for the past month with over 100 million votes already cast as Americans came out to vote amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As polls closed in US states, exit polls showed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is set to win in Virginia even as US President Donald Trump is set to clinch West Virginia.

As polls closed in US states, exit polls showed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is set to win in Virginia even as US President Donald Trump is set to clinch West Virginia. | US elections 2020 Live Updates Watch: According to exit polls by US networks, Biden is set to take Vermont. If the projections come true then, then Trump would win 24 electoral votes with Biden winning 16. Also Read | Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky: Exit Poll Biden is also set to win in his home state of Delaware, according to US networks. According to CNN projects, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is also set to take New Jersey. Biden is also set to take New York. US media also projected Joe Biden winning from New Mexico. Biden is also projected to win New Hamshire. Also Read: On election day, Wall Street ends on a high; Dow up over 2% According to US media's electoral college projections, Joe Biden is leading with 209 to Trump's 116 votes. The polling numbers have been strong for the past month with over 100 million votes already cast as Americans came out to vote amid the coronavirus pandemic.

US Election Result 2020: Biden set to win in New York, Colorado, Vermont & Delaware, say exit polls

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">2020 US election </a>is one of the most important in the history of the United States and a 99-year-old man from Mississippi is becoming an inspiration for reminding many how crucial it is to vote.&nbsp;

Dr Robert H. Smith Sr, of Jackson, Mississippi, was seen with an "I Voted" sticker after he cast an absentee ballot while wearing a face mask.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: US media projects Biden at 126 electoral votes, Trump at 89</a>

"I remember when I couldn't vote," said Smith as quoted by ABC News, referring to complications involved with regards to Black Americans voting.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-cuts-guest-list-of-white-house-party-says-he-may-address-the-nation-340332">Donald Trump cuts guest list of White House party, says he may address the nation</a>

Although the Black men were given the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th Amendment, it took decades for exercising this right and Smith, who was born as the son of a sharecropper also faced the same hurdles.&nbsp;

Despite coming from a humble background, Smith is one of the first from his family who finished high school and got a PhD degree.&nbsp;

He also served the US Army during the Second World War and was and was later promoted to the chief warrant officer's rank in the European Theater of Operations.

Smith, who waited for about 20 minutes with his son to cast his ballot last month, said he proud of overcoming the challenges he encountered throughout his lifetime.&nbsp;

"Voting is an experience that every American citizen should have," Smith said, adding, "we the people decide who's going to be our leader." 
&nbsp;

The 2020 US election is one of the most important in the history of the United States and a 99-year-old man from Mississippi is becoming an inspiration for reminding many how crucial it is to vote.

The 2020 US election is one of the most important in the history of the United States and a 99-year-old man from Mississippi is becoming an inspiration for reminding many how crucial it is to vote. Dr Robert H. Smith Sr, of Jackson, Mississippi, was seen with an "I Voted" sticker after he cast an absentee ballot while wearing a face mask. Also read | US election 2020 result LIVE updates: US media projects Biden at 126 electoral votes, Trump at 89 "I remember when I couldn't vote," said Smith as quoted by ABC News, referring to complications involved with regards to Black Americans voting. Also read | Donald Trump cuts guest list of White House party, says he may address the nation Although the Black men were given the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th Amendment, it took decades for exercising this right and Smith, who was born as the son of a sharecropper also faced the same hurdles. Despite coming from a humble background, Smith is one of the first from his family who finished high school and got a PhD degree. He also served the US Army during the Second World War and was and was later promoted to the chief warrant officer's rank in the European Theater of Operations. Smith, who waited for about 20 minutes with his son to cast his ballot last month, said he proud of overcoming the challenges he encountered throughout his lifetime. "Voting is an experience that every American citizen should have," Smith said, adding, "we the people decide who's going to be our leader."

99-year-old votes in US election 2020, remembers time when he couldn't vote

As the US elections results turn into a cliffhanger, President Trump addressed his supporters with First Lady Melania by his side&nbsp;as he thanked the American people for their support.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293">| Live Blog: Biden predicts victory in knife-edge presidential race</a>

"This is a major fraud on our country so we are going to Supreme Court&nbsp;as far as I&nbsp;am concerned we have already won it," Trump said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-results-update-trump-wins-ohio-again-biden-leads-in-arizona-by-a-huge-margin-340415/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I want to thank the First Lady, my entire family, VP Pence and his wife. The results tonight have been phenomenal such a vote, such a success, this is a record," the US president said.

"We won Ohio, we won Texas by 700,000 votes, they don't even include tabulations," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-jr-tweets-image-showing-jammu-and-kashmir-in-pakistan-340416">Trump</a>&nbsp;said. "It is also clear that we won Georgia. They will never be able to catch us.&nbsp;We won North Carolina. They can't catch us," the US president said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-we-are-on-track-to-win-the-elections-says-joe-biden-340407">Also Read:&nbsp;We are on track to win the elections, says Joe Biden</a>

According to US media exit poll results, President Donald Trump has won Florida beating his Democratic rival Joe Biden in the vital battleground state.

"In Arizona, we have a lot of light in that. Certainly, there are a lot of votes. We don't need that, there is a possibility, a good possibility. Most importantly we are winning Pennsylvania," Trump asserted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-result-2020-they-are-trying-to-steal-the-elections-alleges-trump-340404">Also Read | US Election Result 2020: They are trying to steal the elections, alleges Trump</a>

"We are up 690,000. It is impossible to catch us. We are winning Michigan, I looked at the numbers and I was like, wow that's a lot."

"We are winning Wisconsin. We don't need all of that. The Governor called me to congratulate me for winning Texas, he said, by the way, what is going on, I have not seen anything like this," he said.

As the US elections results turn into a cliffhanger, President Trump addressed his supporters with First Lady Melania by his side as he thanked the American people for their support.

As the US elections results turn into a cliffhanger, President Trump addressed his supporters with First Lady Melania by his side as he thanked the American people for their support. | Live Blog: Biden predicts victory in knife-edge presidential race "This is a major fraud on our country so we are going to Supreme Court as far as I am concerned we have already won it," Trump said. Watch: "I want to thank the First Lady, my entire family, VP Pence and his wife. The results tonight have been phenomenal such a vote, such a success, this is a record," the US president said. "We won Ohio, we won Texas by 700,000 votes, they don't even include tabulations," Trump said. "It is also clear that we won Georgia. They will never be able to catch us. We won North Carolina. They can't catch us," the US president said. Also Read: We are on track to win the elections, says Joe Biden According to US media exit poll results, President Donald Trump has won Florida beating his Democratic rival Joe Biden in the vital battleground state. "In Arizona, we have a lot of light in that. Certainly, there are a lot of votes. We don't need that, there is a possibility, a good possibility. Most importantly we are winning Pennsylvania," Trump asserted. Also Read | US Election Result 2020: They are trying to steal the elections, alleges Trump "We are up 690,000. It is impossible to catch us. We are winning Michigan, I looked at the numbers and I was like, wow that's a lot." "We are winning Wisconsin. We don't need all of that. The Governor called me to congratulate me for winning Texas, he said, by the way, what is going on, I have not seen anything like this," he said.

US Election Result 2020: They will never be able to catch us, we have already won, says Trump

There are millions of people around the world who admire the United States of America for its achievements in technological fields, strong economy, freedom of speech, religious freedom enjoyed by the citizens and high quality of technical education provided by US universities. &nbsp;

Many people, particularly from the developing countries, have great craving for visiting the USA, seeing the spectacular achievements it has made in various fronts at least once in their lifetime. &nbsp;Many students from these developing countries want to study in US universities and they aspire to get jobs in the USA after study and ultimately become US citizens.

The above are the reasons why the migrant population in the USA is increasing year after year.&nbsp;

For example, in India, most of the families in the middle and upper income group have at least one person who has migrated to the USA and settled as a US citizen. &nbsp; 
 
The family living in India seem to be even admiring such people who have successfully migrated to the USA. Similar is the condition in several other developing countries.

While the overall view about the US amongst most citizens in the world are positive, the present style of campaign for the forthcoming US Presidential election has disappointed many people around the world and they are wondering as to what is really happening in the USA.

The fact that one cannot miss is that the campaign has virtually become a hate campaign between the contesting candidates for the President’s job and that is devoid of any healthy debates and discussions on socio economic issues of far reaching importance. The hate campaign has become so intense and nauseating that I do not even want to state the type of hate language being used.

Both the Presidential candidates are responsible for this situation and they themselves not only contribute to the hate campaign but also have not prevented the party followers in descending to such low levels. Even sections of the media appear to be taking part actively in this hate campaign. 
 
Some people accuse President Trump of using vituperative language and making unnecessary irksome remarks. Even if this would be so, then the opposition candidate should have the wisdom to ignore such language with the contempt that it deserves and elevate the debate to a higher level. This is not happening and both the candidates appear to believe in hitting below the belt and paying back in the same coin. This is a very unhealthy trend, unbecoming of candidates aspiring to become US President.&nbsp;

The great respect that the US gained around the world over the years due to its spectacular progress in various fronts is now being wiped out in one stroke by the ongoing hate campaign. Even the section of media in the USA is losing its reputation for not being objective and neutral in commenting about the forthcoming election.

What is even more shocking is that while the Presidential candidates are freely indulging themselves in such hate and counterproductive rhetorics, sane voices in the USA protesting against the deteriorating standards of debates and discussions are not being heard. One wonders as to whether the citizens of the USA who are not part of one political group or the other are reconciling themselves to such a situation or the sane voices, if any, are not being publicized.

In a healthy democratic country, there should be a group of people who can think in a lofty way with fear and hate for none and they are expected to voice their protest about the deteriorating standards in debates and public conduct. &nbsp;Unfortunately, it appears that such groups of lofty thinkers are conspicuous by absence in the USA now.&nbsp;

As the election campaign is becoming bitter and uglier day by day and the reputation of the US for fair and liberal thinking and discussions is rapidly losing ground, it is high time that the people having sane voices with healthy respect for decency in debates and discussions should organise themselves and voice their protest. The time is short and the next few weeks of election campaign, can mar the reputation of the USA and shake the confidence of people beyond redemption, if the low standard of the campaign is allowed to continue unchecked.

Now, the world and probably many in the US itself are looking to hear the sane voices in the USA.

There are millions of people around the world who admire the United States of America for its achievements in technological fields, strong economy, freedom of speech, religious freedom enjoyed by the citizens and high quality of technical education provided by US universities.

There are millions of people around the world who admire the United States of America for its achievements in technological fields, strong economy, freedom of speech, religious freedom enjoyed by the citizens and high quality of technical education provided by US universities. Many people, particularly from the developing countries, have great craving for visiting the USA, seeing the spectacular achievements it has made in various fronts at least once in their lifetime. Many students from these developing countries want to study in US universities and they aspire to get jobs in the USA after study and ultimately become US citizens. The above are the reasons why the migrant population in the USA is increasing year after year. For example, in India, most of the families in the middle and upper income group have at least one person who has migrated to the USA and settled as a US citizen. The family living in India seem to be even admiring such people who have successfully migrated to the USA. Similar is the condition in several other developing countries. While the overall view about the US amongst most citizens in the world are positive, the present style of campaign for the forthcoming US Presidential election has disappointed many people around the world and they are wondering as to what is really happening in the USA. The fact that one cannot miss is that the campaign has virtually become a hate campaign between the contesting candidates for the President’s job and that is devoid of any healthy debates and discussions on socio economic issues of far reaching importance. The hate campaign has become so intense and nauseating that I do not even want to state the type of hate language being used. Both the Presidential candidates are responsible for this situation and they themselves not only contribute to the hate campaign but also have not prevented the party followers in descending to such low levels. Even sections of the media appear to be taking part actively in this hate campaign. Some people accuse President Trump of using vituperative language and making unnecessary irksome remarks. Even if this would be so, then the opposition candidate should have the wisdom to ignore such language with the contempt that it deserves and elevate the debate to a higher level. This is not happening and both the candidates appear to believe in hitting below the belt and paying back in the same coin. This is a very unhealthy trend, unbecoming of candidates aspiring to become US President. The great respect that the US gained around the world over the years due to its spectacular progress in various fronts is now being wiped out in one stroke by the ongoing hate campaign. Even the section of media in the USA is losing its reputation for not being objective and neutral in commenting about the forthcoming election. What is even more shocking is that while the Presidential candidates are freely indulging themselves in such hate and counterproductive rhetorics, sane voices in the USA protesting against the deteriorating standards of debates and discussions are not being heard. One wonders as to whether the citizens of the USA who are not part of one political group or the other are reconciling themselves to such a situation or the sane voices, if any, are not being publicized. In a healthy democratic country, there should be a group of people who can think in a lofty way with fear and hate for none and they are expected to voice their protest about the deteriorating standards in debates and public conduct. Unfortunately, it appears that such groups of lofty thinkers are conspicuous by absence in the USA now. As the election campaign is becoming bitter and uglier day by day and the reputation of the US for fair and liberal thinking and discussions is rapidly losing ground, it is high time that the people having sane voices with healthy respect for decency in debates and discussions should organise themselves and voice their protest. The time is short and the next few weeks of election campaign, can mar the reputation of the USA and shake the confidence of people beyond redemption, if the low standard of the campaign is allowed to continue unchecked. Now, the world and probably many in the US itself are looking to hear the sane voices in the USA.

Name calling during presidential election campaign in USA

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-kamala-harris-unsettles-policymakers-in-new-delhi-320038">Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi</a> 
 
On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. 
 
"Donald Trump's failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods," she said, according to excerpts of the speech released earlier. "We're at an inflection point." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indian-origin-us-senator-kamala-harris-is-making-history-319837">Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history</a>

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in the line of succession after Biden.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-trump-and-biden-are-wooing-indian-americans-321781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

(With inputs from agencies)

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3.

California Senator Kamala Harris on August 19 formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for vice president. Also read: Why Kamala Harris unsettles policymakers in New Delhi On August 12, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. "Donald Trump's failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods," she said, according to excerpts of the speech released earlier. "We're at an inflection point." Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in the line of succession after Biden. Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2020: Kamala Harris makes history, accepts vice-president nomination

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters.

Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party`s nomination at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 17-20, and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/professor-who-accurately-predicted-every-us-election-since-1984-says-biden-will-beat-trump-319206">Also read:&nbsp;Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump</a>

The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden`s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the selection process.

The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had "effectively disbanded" after completing its work. It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick, and that the timeline could "slip again."

A Biden campaign spokesman declined to comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-rival-biden-opposes-god-and-guns-he-responds-318772">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds</a>

Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black.

They argue Biden otherwise risks dampening enthusiasm among Black voters who are so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November`s election, particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice.

Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a group that promotes women of color in politics, told Reuters she thought it would be politically "reckless" if Biden did not choose a woman of color.

"It`s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the last 80 or so days," she said. "Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance."

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice, both Black, are among the top contenders.

According to Democratic officials and Biden allies, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, a Black lawmaker from California, and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration. They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Val Demings, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Biden`s choice, the most weighty of his political career, has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age. If he defeats Trump, he would be 78 on inauguration day next January, the oldest U.S. president in history, and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters. Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party`s nomination at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 17-20, and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins. Also read: Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden`s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the selection process. The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had "effectively disbanded" after completing its work. It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick, and that the timeline could "slip again." A Biden campaign spokesman declined to comment. Also read: Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black. They argue Biden otherwise risks dampening enthusiasm among Black voters who are so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November`s election, particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice. Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a group that promotes women of color in politics, told Reuters she thought it would be politically "reckless" if Biden did not choose a woman of color. "It`s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the last 80 or so days," she said. "Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance." U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice, both Black, are among the top contenders. According to Democratic officials and Biden allies, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, a Black lawmaker from California, and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration. They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Val Demings, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Biden`s choice, the most weighty of his political career, has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age. If he defeats Trump, he would be 78 on inauguration day next January, the oldest U.S. president in history, and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term.

Biden expected to announce US presidential running mate this week: Source

Barack Obama's half-brother calls him 'snob' and asks people to vote for Trump

The US President Donald Trump has cancelled&nbsp;the Republican convention that was&nbsp;supposed to be held in Florida next month.

Trump says the time is not right, which one would believe is due to the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases in the US. Due to the surge in cases, large gatherings are not allowed.&nbsp;However, the President did not cancel the event due to the virus.

The Republican convention was supposed to be a gathering of all Republican delegates. It was scheduled to be held between August 24-27 in Jacksonville, Florida. The party would have announced its presidential and vice presidential nominee.

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In other words, Trump would have formally announced his re-election bid during the Florida convention.&nbsp;He would have also released the party manifesto.

"So I told my team it's time to cancel. The Jacksonville, Florida, component of the GOP convention will be starting in North Carolina for the Monday, as always has been planned. We were never taking that off. That's remaining as it is. The delegates are going to get together. That's where they do their nomination," said the US President Donald Trump.

Trump's campaign manager said that by cancelling the event the President has put the health and safety of the American people first.

His&nbsp;approach towards the pandemic has always been very casual from quoting random death estimates to politicising the mask, if health and safety had been a concern, Trump would have never planned a rally in Florida in the first place.

Reports claim that Trump originally&nbsp;wanted to hold the Republican Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina but the state's governor was skeptical of hosting a large gathering amid the pandemic. He insisted on limiting the crowd size, but Trump did not want social distancing, he wanted a full house. So, the location was switched.

Trump says the rally was cancelled because of the spike in coronavirus cases in Florida. However, the&nbsp;truth is that the Sheriff in Jacksonville said his city is not ready for the event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/k-pop-fans-and-tiktok-users-played-trump-hundreds-of-seats-remain-empty-in-tulsa-rally-307532">Also read:&nbsp;K-Pop fans and TikTok users played Trump; hundreds of seats remain empty in Tulsa rally</a>

Florida is currently No-3&nbsp;in terms of COVID-19 cases, after California and New York. So, if the reasons are carefully studied, it would be safe to say that Trump did not choose to cancel the convention, he was forced to.

"I want to thank the Jacksonville community and its great mayor, great guy, really great guy. They wanted it so badly. And all of the other political representatives in Jacksonville and in Florida," Trump said.

According to a Quinnipiac poll, 80 per cent of Florida voters disapprove of Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump.

Another reason why Trump was forced to cancel the event was due to the&nbsp;Tulsa factor. Republicans apparently had shelled out 2.2 million dollars for the&nbsp;June event and Trump was expecting a sold-out venue.

<img alt="Trump's rally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74511977-3290-4e47-b9a7-7e0da1919a8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump%27s%20rally.jpg" />

Much to his dismay, people barely showed up while some were scared of the coronavirus, others&nbsp;were not really excited about cheering Trump.

Things got worse when health officials said that the indoor rally fuelled coronavirus cases in Oklahoma, meaning that those who showed up either caught the virus or transmitted it.

Considering the previous event was a disaster, probably Trump took a hint and decided to play it safe instead of taking a risk, especially when all estimates point at his White House exit.

The US President Donald Trump has cancelled the Republican convention that was supposed to be held in Florida next month. Trump says the time is not right, which one would believe is due to the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases in the US.

The US President Donald Trump has cancelled the Republican convention that was supposed to be held in Florida next month. Trump says the time is not right, which one would believe is due to the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases in the US. Due to the surge in cases, large gatherings are not allowed. However, the President did not cancel the event due to the virus. The Republican convention was supposed to be a gathering of all Republican delegates. It was scheduled to be held between August 24-27 in Jacksonville, Florida. The party would have announced its presidential and vice presidential nominee. In other words, Trump would have formally announced his re-election bid during the Florida convention. He would have also released the party manifesto. "So I told my team it's time to cancel. The Jacksonville, Florida, component of the GOP convention will be starting in North Carolina for the Monday, as always has been planned. We were never taking that off. That's remaining as it is. The delegates are going to get together. That's where they do their nomination," said the US President Donald Trump. Trump's campaign manager said that by cancelling the event the President has put the health and safety of the American people first. His approach towards the pandemic has always been very casual from quoting random death estimates to politicising the mask, if health and safety had been a concern, Trump would have never planned a rally in Florida in the first place. Reports claim that Trump originally wanted to hold the Republican Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina but the state's governor was skeptical of hosting a large gathering amid the pandemic. He insisted on limiting the crowd size, but Trump did not want social distancing, he wanted a full house. So, the location was switched. Trump says the rally was cancelled because of the spike in coronavirus cases in Florida. However, the truth is that the Sheriff in Jacksonville said his city is not ready for the event. Also read: K-Pop fans and TikTok users played Trump; hundreds of seats remain empty in Tulsa rally Florida is currently No-3 in terms of COVID-19 cases, after California and New York. So, if the reasons are carefully studied, it would be safe to say that Trump did not choose to cancel the convention, he was forced to. "I want to thank the Jacksonville community and its great mayor, great guy, really great guy. They wanted it so badly. And all of the other political representatives in Jacksonville and in Florida," Trump said. According to a Quinnipiac poll, 80 per cent of Florida voters disapprove of Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump. Another reason why Trump was forced to cancel the event was due to the Tulsa factor. Republicans apparently had shelled out 2.2 million dollars for the June event and Trump was expecting a sold-out venue. Much to his dismay, people barely showed up while some were scared of the coronavirus, others were not really excited about cheering Trump. Things got worse when health officials said that the indoor rally fuelled coronavirus cases in Oklahoma, meaning that those who showed up either caught the virus or transmitted it. Considering the previous event was a disaster, probably Trump took a hint and decided to play it safe instead of taking a risk, especially when all estimates point at his White House exit.

Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump was forced to cancel Florida convention

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaign-manager-brad-parscale-feels-presidents-wrath-after-sparse-crowd-shows-up-for-trumps-tulsa-rally-307544" hreflang="en">Campaign manager Brad Parscale feels president's wrath after sparse crowd shows up for Trump's Tulsa rally</a>

With some 63 percent of the vote, according to Vucic, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was set to dramatically expand its dominance in the 250-member parliament.&nbsp;

While Vucic did not run for office himself, the 50-year-old tightly controls the party, which has been in power since 2012.&nbsp;

"I am grateful to the people for this historic support," he said with elation from the SNS headquarters where brass music blasted in celebration.&nbsp;

"We won everywhere," Vucic continued. "We won in the places where we had never won before."

The sweeping success was helped by a boycott from the country's main opposition camp,&nbsp;who decried the elections as neither free nor fair under Vucic's domineering reign.

But despite their stay-at-home campaign and lingering concerns about the coronavirus, turnout was lower than normal -- but not dramatically -- at slightly under 50 percent according to the independent election monitor CRTA.&nbsp;

The boycotting opposition slammed the "fake elections" and claimed their movement was victorious.

Either way the ruling party will have few rivals to contend with in the halls of parliament, where they are expected to hold around 189 seats.

In second place was their traditional junior coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), predicted to claim 32 seats, according to the IPSOS polling agency.

And next in line was the only opposition party to garner enough votes to pass the three percent threshold to enter parliament: the newly formed Serbian Patrotic Alliance (SPAS) with around a dozen seats.&nbsp;

A slate of ethnic minority parties with a lower bar to entry will also take some 17 spots, according to IPSOS.&nbsp;

Among those who didn't make the cut was the ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj.

Without a meaningful opposition, the "pyrrhic&nbsp;victory" could ultimately discredit Serbia's ruling party as it will be viewed as "less legitimate than ever before", Balkans analyst Florian Bieber commented on Twitter.&nbsp;

But in the short term they will be more powerful than ever, capping Vucic's eight-year effort to consolidate control over the country's democracy, first as prime minister and now as president.&nbsp;

He came into this poll riding a fresh wave of popularity for keeping Serbia's coronavirus situation in check, with around 260 deaths in a country of seven million.

Although the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, he remains Serbia's top decision-maker and led the country through the health crisis.&nbsp;

Serbian analyst Dusan Spasojevic describes the Balkan state's elections as a form of "competitive autocracy".

"There is a competition but participants are not equal," he explained of a playing field warped by Vucic's outsized influence.

Watchdogs say Vucic's power lies in his manipulation of the media, with several outlets effectively serving as SNS propaganda machines.&nbsp;

The US-based Freedom House recently declared the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime", due to "years of increasing state capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics".

Yet the Serb leader can count on support from allies across the international stage.&nbsp;

In addition to close ties with Russia and China, he has backing from the West, where he is seen as capable of resolving Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo.

With elections behind him, the president will now face pressure to make progress on talks with Pristina that have been frozen for over a year.

He already has a busy schedule lined up: over the next week he will talk with the European Union's envoy for Serbia and Kosovo, visit Moscow and meet Kosovo representatives at the White House.&nbsp;

At the heart of the dispute is Belgrade's rejection of the independence that Kosovo, home to an ethnic Albanian majority, declared after a bloody 1990s war that was halted by a NATO intervention.

The issue is highly emotive for Serbian nationalists but it weighs especially heavily on the Serb minority still living in Kosovo.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism. Also read: Campaign manager Brad Parscale feels president's wrath after sparse crowd shows up for Trump's Tulsa rally With some 63 percent of the vote, according to Vucic, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was set to dramatically expand its dominance in the 250-member parliament. While Vucic did not run for office himself, the 50-year-old tightly controls the party, which has been in power since 2012. "I am grateful to the people for this historic support," he said with elation from the SNS headquarters where brass music blasted in celebration. "We won everywhere," Vucic continued. "We won in the places where we had never won before." The sweeping success was helped by a boycott from the country's main opposition camp, who decried the elections as neither free nor fair under Vucic's domineering reign. But despite their stay-at-home campaign and lingering concerns about the coronavirus, turnout was lower than normal -- but not dramatically -- at slightly under 50 percent according to the independent election monitor CRTA. The boycotting opposition slammed the "fake elections" and claimed their movement was victorious. Either way the ruling party will have few rivals to contend with in the halls of parliament, where they are expected to hold around 189 seats. In second place was their traditional junior coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), predicted to claim 32 seats, according to the IPSOS polling agency. And next in line was the only opposition party to garner enough votes to pass the three percent threshold to enter parliament: the newly formed Serbian Patrotic Alliance (SPAS) with around a dozen seats. A slate of ethnic minority parties with a lower bar to entry will also take some 17 spots, according to IPSOS. Among those who didn't make the cut was the ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj. Without a meaningful opposition, the "pyrrhic victory" could ultimately discredit Serbia's ruling party as it will be viewed as "less legitimate than ever before", Balkans analyst Florian Bieber commented on Twitter. But in the short term they will be more powerful than ever, capping Vucic's eight-year effort to consolidate control over the country's democracy, first as prime minister and now as president. He came into this poll riding a fresh wave of popularity for keeping Serbia's coronavirus situation in check, with around 260 deaths in a country of seven million. Although the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, he remains Serbia's top decision-maker and led the country through the health crisis. Serbian analyst Dusan Spasojevic describes the Balkan state's elections as a form of "competitive autocracy". "There is a competition but participants are not equal," he explained of a playing field warped by Vucic's outsized influence. Watchdogs say Vucic's power lies in his manipulation of the media, with several outlets effectively serving as SNS propaganda machines. The US-based Freedom House recently declared the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime", due to "years of increasing state capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics". Yet the Serb leader can count on support from allies across the international stage. In addition to close ties with Russia and China, he has backing from the West, where he is seen as capable of resolving Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo. With elections behind him, the president will now face pressure to make progress on talks with Pristina that have been frozen for over a year. He already has a busy schedule lined up: over the next week he will talk with the European Union's envoy for Serbia and Kosovo, visit Moscow and meet Kosovo representatives at the White House. At the heart of the dispute is Belgrade's rejection of the independence that Kosovo, home to an ethnic Albanian majority, declared after a bloody 1990s war that was halted by a NATO intervention. The issue is highly emotive for Serbian nationalists but it weighs especially heavily on the Serb minority still living in Kosovo.

Landslide win for Serbia's ruling party in boycott-tainted vote

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-yet-under-control-lifting-lockdown-too-soon-anthony-fauci-298324" hreflang="en">Coronavirus 'not yet' under control, lifting lockdown too soon: Anthony Fauci</a>

According to the poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday shows that 41 per cent of American adults approve of Trump, this is four points lower than a similar poll ran in mid-April. Around 56 per cent disapprove of Trump.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-might-take-some-time-top-health-expert-anthony-fauci-298327" hreflang="en">Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci</a>

The poll showed that 46 per cent of registered voters said they would vote for Biden in the this year's presidential election scheduled to be held on November 3, while 38 per cent would vote for Trump. That compared with a 2-point Biden lead in Reuters/Ipsos polling last week.

Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the US. It gathered responses from 1,112 American adults, including 973 who identified as registered voters. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The reason for the dip in Trump's approval rating is because of his coronavirus response. He downplayed the threat of the virus several times and contradicted his own virus specialists number of times.&nbsp;

The United States currently has over 80,000 casualties whereas they have 1,300,000+ cases.&nbsp;

On top of it, Donald Trump has been in favour of opening up the country's economy amidst an increasing number of cases which many citizens are worried about.&nbsp;

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday.

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday. Also read: Coronavirus 'not yet' under control, lifting lockdown too soon: Anthony Fauci According to the poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday shows that 41 per cent of American adults approve of Trump, this is four points lower than a similar poll ran in mid-April. Around 56 per cent disapprove of Trump. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci The poll showed that 46 per cent of registered voters said they would vote for Biden in the this year's presidential election scheduled to be held on November 3, while 38 per cent would vote for Trump. That compared with a 2-point Biden lead in Reuters/Ipsos polling last week. Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the US. It gathered responses from 1,112 American adults, including 973 who identified as registered voters. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The reason for the dip in Trump's approval rating is because of his coronavirus response. He downplayed the threat of the virus several times and contradicted his own virus specialists number of times. The United States currently has over 80,000 casualties whereas they have 1,300,000+ cases. On top of it, Donald Trump has been in favour of opening up the country's economy amidst an increasing number of cases which many citizens are worried about.

Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls

Poland has two weeks to set a new presidential election date, the national electoral commission said after certifying that the poll scheduled for Sunday did not happen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-rides-jet-ski-amid-coronavirus-chaos-in-the-country-netizens-lash-out-297889" hreflang="en">Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out</a>

Poles had been due to cast their ballots to elect a head of state, but because of a political crisis set off by the coronavirus pandemic, polling stations never opened and turnout clocked in at zero on an election day that will be one for the history books.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-time-to-end-lockdown-but-modify-measures-british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-297868" hreflang="en">'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>

The EU member of 38 million people found itself in this bizarre "Twilight Zone" predicament in which the presidential ballot had formally neither been postponed nor cancelled, because the government and opposition were unable to agree on a constitutional and safe solution.

At day's end, the electoral commission adopted a resolution stating that it "had not been possible to vote for any candidate" and thus the speaker of parliament now had two weeks to set a new election date, which must fall within 60 days of her announcement.

Such a solution will save the country from having to ask the Supreme Court to rule on the validity of the election that had been scheduled for May 10, commission head Sylwester Marciniak told reporters.&nbsp;

The governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party had anticipated last week that the top court would rule on the issue and had even assumed it would declare the election null and void.

"That sounds like an order for the Supreme Court regarding how it should rule," Warsaw-based political scientist Stanislaw Mocek told AFP at the time.

"We're in a fog of legal absurdity," he added, echoing the widespread head-scratching and concern around the country.

Many constitutional experts have since expressed doubt as to whether the Supreme Court even has the power to issue such a verdict.&nbsp;

Marciniak said that because no votes were cast, "we have a situation similar to when there is an absence of candidates or only one candidate and no election is held."

Leftist lawmaker Tomasz Trela summed up the Kafkaesque situation on Facebook: "Today's the day, election day without the election."

Earlier Sunday, Trela and a fellow leftist politician had shown up with homemade ballots at a school that normally doubles as a polling station and asked why they were unable to vote.

"The polling station is closed, which means someone cancelled the election. But it's unclear who did or on what basis," he told reporters.

The anti-government protest movement Citizens of Poland organised an event in the capital Warsaw, saying Poland needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.

"The state is unable to carry out the election scheduled for today. Or the voting or whatever you want to call it, this cabaret that they've arranged for us," movement co-leader Pawel Kasprzak told reporters.

Mocek, the political scientist, said the government "should have declared a natural disaster to lawfully postpone the election" under the constitution.&nbsp;

The PiS has explained away its refusal to do so by saying Poland's coronavirus situation is not severe enough to warrant the move.&nbsp;

The party has also implied that were it to declare a natural disaster, multinational corporations present in Poland would claim huge sums in compensation that the state would be hard-pressed to pay.&nbsp;

But the liberal opposition and many observers also see another rationale for why the government was set on the May 10 date, despite opinion surveys showing that three out of four Poles wanted a deferral.

The opposition, which has long called for a delay over concerns that a free, fair and safe election is impossible under lockdown, believes the PiS wants the ballot held as soon as possible so that its ally and incumbent Andrzej Duda wins.

The president is the frontrunner and could secure a second term in the first round of the vote, but he risks losing support once the economic effects of the pandemic are felt.

Last month, the PiS-controlled parliament passed a law stating the election would be held by postal vote only in a bid to quiet health concerns while maintaining the date.

But the opposition-controlled senate sat on the legislation for weeks before rejecting it, leaving the government no time to organise the election

Poland has two weeks to set a new presidential election date, the national electoral commission said after certifying that the poll scheduled for Sunday did not happen.

Poland has two weeks to set a new presidential election date, the national electoral commission said after certifying that the poll scheduled for Sunday did not happen. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out Poles had been due to cast their ballots to elect a head of state, but because of a political crisis set off by the coronavirus pandemic, polling stations never opened and turnout clocked in at zero on an election day that will be one for the history books. Also read: 'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson The EU member of 38 million people found itself in this bizarre "Twilight Zone" predicament in which the presidential ballot had formally neither been postponed nor cancelled, because the government and opposition were unable to agree on a constitutional and safe solution. At day's end, the electoral commission adopted a resolution stating that it "had not been possible to vote for any candidate" and thus the speaker of parliament now had two weeks to set a new election date, which must fall within 60 days of her announcement. Such a solution will save the country from having to ask the Supreme Court to rule on the validity of the election that had been scheduled for May 10, commission head Sylwester Marciniak told reporters. The governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party had anticipated last week that the top court would rule on the issue and had even assumed it would declare the election null and void. "That sounds like an order for the Supreme Court regarding how it should rule," Warsaw-based political scientist Stanislaw Mocek told AFP at the time. "We're in a fog of legal absurdity," he added, echoing the widespread head-scratching and concern around the country. Many constitutional experts have since expressed doubt as to whether the Supreme Court even has the power to issue such a verdict. Marciniak said that because no votes were cast, "we have a situation similar to when there is an absence of candidates or only one candidate and no election is held." Leftist lawmaker Tomasz Trela summed up the Kafkaesque situation on Facebook: "Today's the day, election day without the election." Earlier Sunday, Trela and a fellow leftist politician had shown up with homemade ballots at a school that normally doubles as a polling station and asked why they were unable to vote. "The polling station is closed, which means someone cancelled the election. But it's unclear who did or on what basis," he told reporters. The anti-government protest movement Citizens of Poland organised an event in the capital Warsaw, saying Poland needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. "The state is unable to carry out the election scheduled for today. Or the voting or whatever you want to call it, this cabaret that they've arranged for us," movement co-leader Pawel Kasprzak told reporters. Mocek, the political scientist, said the government "should have declared a natural disaster to lawfully postpone the election" under the constitution. The PiS has explained away its refusal to do so by saying Poland's coronavirus situation is not severe enough to warrant the move. The party has also implied that were it to declare a natural disaster, multinational corporations present in Poland would claim huge sums in compensation that the state would be hard-pressed to pay. But the liberal opposition and many observers also see another rationale for why the government was set on the May 10 date, despite opinion surveys showing that three out of four Poles wanted a deferral. The opposition, which has long called for a delay over concerns that a free, fair and safe election is impossible under lockdown, believes the PiS wants the ballot held as soon as possible so that its ally and incumbent Andrzej Duda wins. The president is the frontrunner and could secure a second term in the first round of the vote, but he risks losing support once the economic effects of the pandemic are felt. Last month, the PiS-controlled parliament passed a law stating the election would be held by postal vote only in a bid to quiet health concerns while maintaining the date. But the opposition-controlled senate sat on the legislation for weeks before rejecting it, leaving the government no time to organise the election

Poland to hold new vote after bizarre ghost election

Joe Biden is the front-runner in the Democratic Presidential race. The Former US Vice President could challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming Presidential Election. This report tells you more about the contender from the Democrats.

Gravitas: Meet the man who could challenge Donald Trump, US Elections 2020

Democrats in Iowa gathered in schools, libraries and churches to decide their favourite candidates. The nominated candidates will go through the internal voting process to decide the Democracts candidate to take on Donald Trump. Watch this video to understand the concept of caucuses in the United States.

All eyes on Iowa Caucuses 2020: What is Caucuses

The Iowa Democratic Party has confirmed that the results of the Iowa caucuses, the first voting contest of the US 2020 presidential election season, have been delayed "due to quality checks".

Iowa Democratic Party delays release of results

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-on-the-campaign-trail-democrats-deliver-closing-arguments-with-dogs-comedians-and-planes-278114">On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes</a>

"I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-presidential-elections-2020-which- democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Bernie Sanders</a> holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders.

"I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year.

Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist."

Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist.

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"At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race.

She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders.

The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said.

Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy."

"I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president.

As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little."

"You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire.

"There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?"

Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments.

"The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season. Senator Bernie Sanders holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders. "I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year. Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist." Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist. × "At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race. She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders. The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said. Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy." "I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president. As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little." "You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire. "There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?" Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments. "The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Trump mocks 'communist' Bernie and 'Sleepy Joe' before Iowa

Afghanistan presidential election result soon. Poll watchdog missed 2 deadlines.

Afghanistan presidential election result soon

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. 
 
"My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!," Sirisena said in a tweet.

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My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a> on his historic victory!
— Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS/status/1196006610419830785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka-based Colombo Page reported that the country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also congratulated the President-elect on his victory. 
 
The Prime Minister was quoted as saying in a statement that the Premier said they value democracy and a decision will be made on the next Parliamentary elections after discussing it with Speaker, party leaders and government Members of Parliament. 
 
Sri Lanka's Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya on Sunday afternoon confirmed that opposition candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the presidential elections. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa for his victory in the elections. 
 
"Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections. I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region," Modi had tweeted. 
 
"I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections," he said. 
 
Rajapaksa, who has been credited for having crushed the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, focused his campaign on his credentials as the defence secretary that brought a close to the bloody 26-year civil war, while also calling for an overhaul of economic policies implemented by Premadasa's UNP during its five-year charge of the parliament. 
 
To win, a candidate has to secure at least 50 per cent&nbsp;+ one vote in the first round of counting, the Elections Commission Chairman had said. 
 
Rajapaksa, a former defence secretary and brother of two-time former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, based his campaign on providing strong leadership on national security issues, following coordinated bombings in April that killed at least 269 people. 
 
He will be sworn in as the seventh President of Sri Lanka tomorrow morning, November 18, in Anuradhapura, his party sources confirmed to ColomboPage.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. "My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. "My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!," Sirisena said in a tweet. My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory! — Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) November 17, 2019 × Sri Lanka-based Colombo Page reported that the country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also congratulated the President-elect on his victory. The Prime Minister was quoted as saying in a statement that the Premier said they value democracy and a decision will be made on the next Parliamentary elections after discussing it with Speaker, party leaders and government Members of Parliament. Sri Lanka's Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya on Sunday afternoon confirmed that opposition candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the presidential elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa for his victory in the elections. "Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections. I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region," Modi had tweeted. "I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections," he said. Rajapaksa, who has been credited for having crushed the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, focused his campaign on his credentials as the defence secretary that brought a close to the bloody 26-year civil war, while also calling for an overhaul of economic policies implemented by Premadasa's UNP during its five-year charge of the parliament. To win, a candidate has to secure at least 50 per cent + one vote in the first round of counting, the Elections Commission Chairman had said. Rajapaksa, a former defence secretary and brother of two-time former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, based his campaign on providing strong leadership on national security issues, following coordinated bombings in April that killed at least 269 people. He will be sworn in as the seventh President of Sri Lanka tomorrow morning, November 18, in Anuradhapura, his party sources confirmed to ColomboPage.

Sri Lanka: President Maithripala Sirisena congratulates Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 'historic' victory

Roger Stone, a self-described “dirty trickster” and longtime adviser to Donald Trump, was found guilty on Friday of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Roger Stone: U.S. President's associate found guilty in wikileaks hacking case

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