The just ended US 2020 election was a keenly contested and fought one, as manifested in the projection of result during the election week. In build up to the election day itself, millions more Americans have turned out en-mass to vote by post due to coronavirus, which even resulted to a delay in counting of votes in some instances.
Trump has not yet conceded defeat, alleging mass rampant fraud without any evidence to support it. This allegation claims to even some within the Republican camp, finds it was very disturbing. And now his campaign has vowed to challenge the result at the US Supreme Court. Under federal law, states must give an official vote count “as soon as practicable”. These tallies are subject to legal challenges and recounts, the criteria and timeline of which are regulated under individual states’ laws.
For instances in some states, like Pennsylvania, automatically trigger a recount if the race is close. In Pennsylvania, that’s anything under a 0.5 percent margin between candidates. In others, like Wisconsin, where the Trump campaign has said it will seek a recount, it must be triggered by a request from a candidate.
In as much as we agree with Trump that it is his constitutional right to demand for recounts and call for investigations when the evidence warranted it, but his assertion that “the election was rigged, corrupt and stolen”, was the least unexpected.
America has been a champion when it comes to promoting democratic values and principles. And these include promoting free, fair and transparent elections. We all know around the globe emerging, middle incomes and even most developed countries look up to America when it comes to promoting democracy. The whole world is watching America.
Interestingly, America has a different way of choosing its leaders. Instead of depending on popular votes, it tends to focus more on Electoral College votes, which is a group of presidential electors required by the Constitution to form every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president. Each state appoints electors according to its legislature, equal in number to its congressional delegation but federal office holders cannot be electors. Of the current 538 electors, an absolute majority of 270 or more electoral votes is required to elect the president and vice president. If no candidate achieves an absolute majority there, a contingent election is held by the U.S. Congress to elect the president and vice president.
With this, we urge Donald J. Trump to concede defeat and help a peaceful transition as was done with him by his predecessor so that the world can have a renewed hope in a democracy that is admired by millions across the globe.
"If you believe in yourself and have decication and pride-and never quit, you' ii be a winner. The price of victory butso are the rewards."
Bear Bryant