Record number of Americans head to the polls in heated election

As the United States grapples with one of the most fiercely contested presidential elections in recent history, nearly 100 million Americans have already cast their votes, representing about 73% of the total votes in the 2016 polls. The country is at a crucial juncture as it decides between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The high voter turnout and the enthusiasm surrounding this election reflect the deeply divided political landscape and the sense of urgency among the electorate. The race between the two candidates has been intense, with both parties running distinctive campaigns amid the backdrop of a global pandemic. The pandemic has significantly affected the traditional campaign strategies, posing challenges for both candidates. President Trump, known for his energetic rallies, has had to adapt to a new normal of virtual interactions, while Biden has focused on reaching out to voters through digital campaigns and smaller gatherings. In an interview with CNBC Africa, election strategist George Ajjan highlighted the importance of correcting past campaign mistakes, particularly the negligence seen in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Ajjan emphasized the significance of swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan, which played a pivotal role in Trump's victory four years ago. The strategist noted that Biden's campaign has gained momentum due to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, which have dampened Trump's 'keep America great' narrative. The post-election landscape is fraught with concerns about potential unrest and violence. While reports indicate relative calm in many areas, there are fears of disruption following the announcement of the election results. Businesses in cities like Washington DC have been boarding up their storefronts in anticipation of possible disturbances. However, experts believe that the level of violence will depend on the closeness of the election results. A decisive victory by either candidate is likely to quell tensions, while a tight race could lead to heightened tensions. Looking ahead, the focus remains on the key battleground states where the election outcome is expected to be determined. President Trump's last-minute campaign efforts in these states indicate a push to rally support and drive voter turnout. The enthusiasm of the electorate and the final surge of voting on Election Day could sway the results in favor of either candidate. As Americans anxiously await the outcome of the election, the possibility of a contentious post-election scenario looms large. While experts like Ajjan and others remain hopeful for a peaceful transition of power, the uncertainty surrounding the election results and the polarized political climate raise concerns about potential unrest. The eyes of the world are on the United States as it navigates through this critical period in its democratic history.