On November 5, 2024, voters across the United States participated in general elections, marking a significant day in the democratic process. This election involved not only the presidential race but also contests for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats.
The presidential election is particularly notable, with former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris in a close contest. Polling indicates a competitive environment, with the outcome hinging on voter turnout in key states.
Approximately 244 million Americans over the age of 18 are eligible to vote, although certain states restrict voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. Voting methods varied, including mail-in ballots, early voting, and in-person voting on Election Day.
Voter turnout has seen an upward trend in recent years, with 66% of eligible voters participating in the 2020 elections, the highest since 1900. Polling places across the six time zones in the U.S. closed at different times, generally between 7 PM and 9 PM local time.
After polls closed, ballots were counted in thousands of precincts nationwide. The rules for processing mail-in ballots differ by state, with some states allowing early counting while others do not begin until Election Day.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure a majority of the 538 electoral votes, requiring at least 270. This system means that a candidate can win the popular vote but still lose the election, as seen in the 2016 election.
Key battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, are critical in determining the election outcome. In the event of a tie in electoral votes, the House of Representatives would decide the winner.
The electoral process will continue with electors meeting on December 17 to cast their official votes, followed by Congress counting these votes on January 6, 2025, with the inauguration scheduled for January 20.
In Mozambique, the political landscape is tense as activists anticipate a possible state of emergency declaration by President Filipe Nyusi. Activists argue that such a move would indicate a serious governance crisis and could further undermine the legitimacy of the current administration.
Critics suggest that Nyusi may seek to consolidate power amid ongoing protests and calls for accountability regarding past governance issues. The situation remains fluid as citizens express their demands for transparency and justice.