The initial results of the U.S. presidential election are being released, with Republican candidate Donald Trump taking an early lead. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is trailing slightly behind. As of 7 a.m. IST, Republicans are leading in Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
So far, Trump has secured 188 electoral votes, while Harris has earned 99. In the crucial swing state of Georgia, Harris is working hard to secure a win. Georgia awarded 16 electoral votes to the Democrats in the previous election. Meanwhile, Harris is leading in key areas such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, adding to the suspense of the election results.
Trump leads in 17 states, including North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. Harris has secured victories in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois.
ALSO READ: U.S. Presidential Election Underway Amid High Voter Turnout
Technical Issues and Threats Encountered
Despite occasional incidents such as technical issues, ballot printing errors, weather disruptions, and fake threats, voting continues with minimal delays. Voters remain enthusiastic and continue to cast their ballots. Reports indicated that Republican poll observers were briefly restricted from some polling centers in Pennsylvania, but officials quickly resolved the issue. Technical difficulties also affected some ballot machines, leading to a two-hour polling extension in certain areas. Additionally, issues with e-poll books caused minor delays in Illinois’ Champaign County and Kentucky’s Louisville.
ALSO READ: Trump, Harris Secure Key States as U.S. Election Results Roll In