Americans head to the polls on Tuesday in a highly anticipated presidential election that pits Democratic candidate Kamala Harris against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
This election is expected to be one of the most closely contested in recent history, with both candidates making their final appeals to voters in key swing states.
The stakes are high as voters not only decide the next president but also determine the balance of power in Congress.
The outcome of the Senate and House races will significantly impact the president’s ability to govern effectively.
Currently, the Senate is narrowly controlled by Democrats, while Republicans hold a slim majority in the House.
In the final days leading up to the election, Harris focused her campaign efforts on Michigan, while Trump visited Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Both candidates are making a last-minute push to sway undecided voters in these critical battleground states.
Polling data indicates a tight race, with Harris and Trump running neck-and-neck nationally and in most swing states.
The election has been marked by intense debates over key issues such as the economy, healthcare, immigration, and abortion rights.
Voter turnout is expected to be high, reflecting the deep divisions and strong opinions among the electorate.
The process of counting votes and declaring a winner is expected to be closely watched, with media organizations and election analysts providing real-time updates.
While the official certification of results will not occur until January, the outcome of the election could be known within hours or days after the polls close.
World watches closely
As the nation waits for the results, the world watches closely, recognizing the significant impact the US presidential election has on global politics and policies.
The election’s outcome will shape the direction of the country for the next four years and influence international relations, economic policies, and efforts to address climate change.
Ehsanul Haque, professor of Department of International Relations at University of Dhaka told Dhaka Tribune: “Regardless of the election results, there will not be significant changes in the foreign policy of the US. Their foreign policy remains consistent. However, Trump introduced some changes during his previous administration, particularly in relations with China, Russia, and North Korea. If Trump comes to power again, he may make some individual exceptions. Ultimately, Americans prioritize their own interests.”
The ongoing war in Ukraine remains a critical issue on the global stage. Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in defending its territory against Russian aggression.
Recent reports indicate that Ukraine is enduring one of Russia’s most powerful offensives since the start of the full-scale war.
The conflict has drawn international condemnation and support for Ukraine, with many countries providing military and humanitarian aid.
The outcome of the US election could influence the level of support Ukraine receives, as both candidates have differing views on foreign policy and military aid.
In the Middle East, tensions also remain high as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has drawn calls for a ceasefire from the international community.
The US election could impact the future of US involvement in the region, as the next president will need to navigate the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Professor Ehsanul said: “If Kamala Harris wins, the policies of the Biden administration will remain largely unchanged. However, she will present herself differently from Biden, placing greater emphasis on issues such as democracy, human rights, and climate change. These areas will receive more attention under her leadership.”
Implications for Bangladesh
The outcome of the US election will also have implications for Bangladesh.
Recently, Donald Trump tweeted about the violence against minorities in Bangladesh, criticizing Kamala Harris and Joe Biden for ignoring the issue.
Trump’s tweet has sparked discussions about how a potential Trump presidency could affect US-Bangladesh relations.
While some analysts believe that there will be continuity in US foreign policy regardless of the election outcome, others suggest that Trump’s protectionist and isolationist tendencies could lead to less attention on countries like Bangladesh.
Professor Ehsanul said: “It is true that Bangladesh was mentioned in Trump’s post on X, but this reflects the US’ India-centric policy. Trump’s Indo-Pacific policy continues, and Bangladesh remains an important part of the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Regardless of who comes to power, there will be no major changes in US policy towards Bangladesh.”
