US election result may not be swiftly known, or accepted

Analysts expect messy outcome, see Trump setting the stage to dispute result if he loses

Supporters of President Donald Trump at a rally in Beverly Gardens Park, California, on Saturday. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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President Donald Trump has signalled, repeatedly and in the clearest terms, that the United States should be prepared for a disputed election result which could drag on for weeks or months.

Mr Trump, who has pushed the powers of his office beyond the generally accepted norms that have kept presidential power in check and also guided peaceful transitions - significantly facilitated by opponents conceding defeat - is increasingly being seen as gearing up to dispute the result if he loses.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 10, 2020, with the headline US election result may not be swiftly known, or accepted. Subscribe