The world must prepare for a contested US election outcome

The stakes are high as failure to agree on the outcome will likely speed up the downward turn in a worldwide democratic recession

Timothy Garton Ash
Election workers processing ballot envelopes in Utah on Monday. Utah is one of several states that have moved to mail-in ballots for the Nov 3 presidential election. Given that more Democrat than Republican voters are requesting mail-in ballots, it i
Election workers processing ballot envelopes in Utah on Monday. Utah is one of several states that have moved to mail-in ballots for the Nov 3 presidential election. Given that more Democrat than Republican voters are requesting mail-in ballots, it is quite possible that Mr Donald Trump could be leading on the night of the election and then Mr Joe Biden moves ahead as postal votes are counted, the writer says. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Updated
Oct 28, 2020, 09:35 AM
Published
Oct 28, 2020, 05:00 AM
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Democracies everywhere must prepare for the contingency of a contested result in the most important US election in living memory.

Learning from the disarray around the disputed 2000 election, they should have an informally coordinated stance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 28, 2020, with the headline The world must prepare for a contested US election outcome. Subscribe

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