Interesting times as American democracy goes on display

GIVEN that there were two known assassination attempts on one candidate in the US presidential race, it is anyone’s guess what will happen on Election Day next week (Nov 5). And unless there is a clear and unambiguous victory for one side, uncertainty will reign until Inauguration Day, and perhaps beyond. Expect a period of intense lawfare through the courts, if the results are close.

At this point, it should be noted that it is not just a presidential race. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs as well as 34 (out of 100) Senate seats. Some states and territories are also holding elections for their own legislatures. There is always the possibility that whoever becomes president will be saddled with a hostile legislature.

Also be mindful that for all the hoopla of the last few months, ordinary Americans do not directly vote on who becomes the next president and vice-president. Instead, they vote for representatives to an Electoral College, made up of 538 electors, that decides on the winners. A presidential candidate must get at least 270 votes to win. Can there be a tie? Yes, that is a possibility with each candidate getting 269 each.