The pre-election period of the American presidential elections is coming to a close with the candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, fighting the final battle for who will take over the presidency of the United States. With polls showing narrow margins in key states, the election is shaping up to be one of the most lopsided in modern American history.
Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris made her final appeal to voters in Pennsylvania, stressing the importance of every vote. Pennsylvania, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, are among the swing states. Polls show Harris with a slim lead in those states, giving her hopes of garnering the necessary 270 electoral votes.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, the former President of the USA, is focusing on the southern and eastern states, hoping that he will be able to win the states of Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona. Trump's campaign is seeking to appeal to African-American and Hispanic voters, which could give him the edge.
These elections are being held in a climate of intense polarization and contestation, with authorities bracing for possible riots after the results are announced. Washington and other cities have taken security measures to deal with potential violence, and polls opened with heightened security.
Ms Harris's campaign has already warned that final results could be delayed due to the large number of postal votes and the complexity of counting. It is worth noting that Mr. Trump has stated that he will not accept defeat easily, which increases the possibility of legal appeals and tensions.
As American citizens head to the polls, anxiety is mounting for an outcome that will have not only national, but global significance. This vote is expected to determine the course of the United States for the next four years, with ramifications affecting global politics.