Donald Trump on track to return as the 47th U.S. President after 2024 election victory

While Presidential elections take place across the globe, one of the presidential elections that the entire globe pays attention to is the U.S. Presidential race due to the global influence the United States wields in areas like economics, defence, climate policy as well as diplomacy. Throughout the years, As one of the largest economies and a global leader, shifts in U.S. policies often ripple through global markets, affect diplomatic alliances, and influence international standards on issues like climate change and trade. 

Due to this, as the 2024 U.S. presidential election unfolds, the entire globe closely follows the debates, policy proposals, and campaign strategies presented not only by the Republican and Democratic parties but also by independent and third-party candidates. Each of these political groups brings distinct perspectives that could reshape international relations, influence global markets, and affect diplomatic ties. With such diverse stakes, international leaders, economists, and citizens alike monitor these dynamics, knowing that the U.S.'s leadership decisions could bring wide-reaching consequences across various sectors, from climate agreements and trade policies to defence strategies and humanitarian efforts.

Understanding the candidates and the U.S. voting system 

In the 2024 U.S. election, the race mainly centres on two major candidates: former President Donald Trump for the Republican Party and Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party. Trump's campaign has emphasized his prior stance on national sovereignty, and economic independence, while Harris is focused on policies such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to lower emissions and promote green energy without compromising energy security. In addition to these two popular contestants, this year's Presidential race also saw a popular third-party candidate Jill Stein who is known as the Green Party candidate who is known to be the candidate taking a stance against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Unlike a lot of Presidential elections across the globe, the U.S. presidential election is decided not by a simple national vote total, but through a system called the Electoral College. In this system, each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., has a set number of electoral votes. Most states follow a "winner-takes-all" rule, meaning the candidate with the most votes in a state wins all of its electoral votes, regardless of the margin of victory.  This system means that it’s possible for a candidate to lose the national popular vote yet win the presidency by securing key states with high electoral votes. 

For instance, in 2016, Hillary Clinton received more votes nationwide than Donald Trump but lost in the Electoral College due to Trump's wins in several crucial swing states. The battleground states, which can sway toward either party, become the primary focus of candidates since winning them is often critical to reaching the 270-vote threshold. 

The 2024 Presidential race and results

The 2024 U.S. presidential race saw a blend of traditional strategies and new digital tactics aimed at reaching a broad and diverse audience. Social media played an unprecedented role, with platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) being key tools for both major candidates. Kamala Harris’s campaign focused on engaging Gen Z through creative content and high-profile celebrity endorsements, building a substantial online following. In contrast, Donald Trump’s campaign maintained a strong grassroots approach that resonated with traditional Republican voters and helped expand his reach across battleground states.

Despite Harris's clear support on social media, the in-person turnout and votes from key regions shifted momentum in Trump’s favour as the ballot count progressed. CBS News reports that Trump has led in 28 states, solidifying his projected win with critical victories in states like Wisconsin. His anticipated lead, which is predicted to secure him the necessary electoral votes, led Trump to deliver a victory speech, celebrating his return as the 47th President of the United States.