By Johnathan Paoli
US Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump wrapped up their presidential election campaigns on Monday in battleground states that are expected to determine who wins the presidency.
Harris spent her final day of campaigning in Pennsylvania, while Trump held events in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
The 60th US presidential election will be held on Tuesday. In most states, polling stations are expected to open between 7am and 9am local time.
With results expected to be delayed due to the complexities of ballot counting and the growing prevalence of early voting, the outcome remains uncertain.
A victory for Harris will make her the first woman president in US history, and the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to hold office.
Conversely, Trump will make history as the first president elected despite a felony conviction, stemming from a hush-money case in New York.
Polling suggests a highly competitive race, particularly in seven crucial battleground or swing states that are likely to determine the winner.
Harris recently gained momentum in Iowa, where a poll showed her leading Trump by three points, a notable shift in a state Trump previously dominated in past elections.
With approximately 77 million Americans having already cast early votes, both candidates have made a final push to mobilise their supporters.
Harris has focused her efforts on Pennsylvania, a key swing state with 19 electoral votes, and hosted a star-studded rally featuring Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey to energise her support base.
Meanwhile, Trump held multiple rallies across North Carolina and Pennsylvania, attacking Harris’s record and rallying his supporters.
Election Day has evolved into what many now call “Election Week”, with states employing varied rules for ballot counting that can result in delayed results.
As the clock ticks towards the close of polls, the uncertainty surrounding the timing of election results looms large.
Legal challenges could also prolong the announcement of the winner.
Both candidates face their share of controversies, with Trump’s recent remarks during an interview having drawn condemnation, with critics arguing that his incendiary language against political opponents and the media could incite political unrest.
Harris, meanwhile, is aiming to present a message of unity and progress, urging voters to act against divisiveness.
Some have suggested that if Trump secures victory, his previous administration’s focus on US interests could threaten vital trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which significantly benefits South Africa.
In contrast, a Harris presidency is expected to continue the Biden administration’s supportive policies towards Africa, including a commitment to maintaining AGOA and fostering positive relations with South Africa.
Despite the intense domestic political battle characterised by sharp rhetoric, both candidates’ foreign policies may not diverge significantly from established norms.
It has been speculated that whether Trump or Harris takes office, the foundational aspects of US-SA relations, including trade and military cooperation, are likely to remain stable.
As results are anticipated, it is clear that this election encapsulates not just the candidates’ differing policies but also the broader societal tensions that have come to define American politics.
With the world watching, the 2024 presidential election is set to determine not only the next leader of the US, but also the direction of the country for years to come.
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