US election scenarios: Result may not be swiftly known or accepted

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has signalled, repeatedly and in the clearest terms, that the United States should be prepared for a disputed election result which could drag on for weeks or months.

Mr Trump, who has pushed the powers of his office beyond the generally accepted norms that have kept presidential power in check and also guided peaceful transitions - significantly facilitated by opponents conceding defeat - is increasingly being seen as gearing up to dispute the result if he loses.