November 5, 2024.
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | As the United States heads into the final hours of its landmark election, projections show the race between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris could be one of the closest in modern history. This election holds global significance, with international attention fixed on the outcome, given the influence of U.S. policy on world events.
For the first time, a female Black candidate, Harris, is challenging Trump, who is seeking a return to the presidency. As voting continues, the race has become symbolic, representing starkly different visions for the future of the U.S. and its role on the world stage.
Polls are expected to close in phases starting from 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, with final polls closing around 1 a.m. EST early Wednesday. In previous elections, results from smaller, often Republican-leaning districts tend to be counted and announced earlier than those from larger cities, which traditionally skew Democratic, creating what is known as a “red mirage.”
Swing States to Watch
The outcome is expected to hinge on seven key swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, which could tip the scales toward either candidate. Early tabulations will offer initial insights, but a clear winner may not be projected until later in the week.
Result Timeline and Potential Delays
Given the projected tight race, results may not be available until Wednesday or even later. In 2020, due to close counts and the need to verify ballots, networks only declared Joe Biden’s win four days after Election Day. Analysts suggest this election could follow a similar pattern, with possible recounts further extending the wait.
Global Implications
Political analyst Wilbert Mukori weighed in, emphasizing the election’s impact on the world, especially for countries like Zimbabwe, which are affected by U.S. foreign policy. “Whatever happens to the U.S. has a ripple effect worldwide,” Mukori noted, adding that the election will be closely watched for how it may shift America’s stance on issues such as international security, climate policy, and relations with powerful nations like China and Russia.
Post-Election Process and Potential Challenges
Once all votes are counted, each state will certify its results, translating into electoral college votes. The winning candidate must secure at least 270 electoral college votes to claim the presidency. This process culminates on January 6, when Congress formally certifies the results. In the event of contested results, states have processes in place for recounts and court appeals, though these are typically resolved by early December.
For now, the world waits. In the next 24 to 48 hours, early projections may point toward a winner, but with such a close race, official declarations could take days. Stay tuned for continuous updates on ZimEye.com as the historic 2024 U.S. election unfolds.