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The Democrat has amassed at least 253 of the 270 electoral votes he needs, according to projections from the American network, and has taken the lead in Pennsylvania, which would put him at the top.
People watch a big screen displaying live Florida election results in Black Lives Matter Square in front of the White House on Election Day in Washington, DC on November 3, 2020. Image: AFP
WASHINGTON – The outcome of the US presidential election remained in the balance on Friday as a handful of states on the battlefield completed their vote counting, but Joe Biden was closing in on victory save one surprise.
The Democrat has amassed at least 253 of the 270 electoral votes he needs, according to projections from the American network, and has taken the lead in Pennsylvania, which would put him at the top.
Donald Trump has amassed 214 electoral votes so far, and while the Republican incumbent was still contested in several states that could provide him a path to re-election, that path was narrowing.
Besides Pennsylvania, Biden has gone ahead in the southeastern state of Georgia, which has 16 electoral votes but remains too close to call.
There is some uncertainty surrounding Arizona, which has 11 electoral votes.
Fox News and The Associated Press have called Arizona in favor of Biden, but other outlets have been more cautious.
With Arizona, Biden would currently have 264 electoral votes.
Much of the delay in key states is due to a flood of mail-in votes due to the coronavirus pandemic, and those votes have tended to favor Democrats.
Here’s a look at the situation in the key states that are still up for grabs:
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania is the largest remaining prize, with 20 electoral votes. Trump had been ahead, but Biden beat him Friday morning by more than 6,800 votes.
Most of the votes that remain to be counted are in Democratic-leaning areas such as the greater Philadelphia area.
With about 95% of the votes counted, Biden had 49.4% of the total compared to 49.3% for Trump.
GEORGIA
In Georgia, Trump’s initial lead over Biden steadily declined as vote counting continued in heavily Democratic areas, and the former vice president is now slightly ahead.
Biden’s lead is about 1,100 votes. 98% of the votes have been counted.
Georgia has not elected a Democrat for president since Bill Clinton in 1992. His 16 electoral votes would place Biden just under 270, or above all if he has Arizona.
NEVADA
Biden had been the favorite to win Nevada, and his six electoral votes could put him precisely in the number needed to win if he wins Arizona.
With more than 89% of the votes counted, Biden led by more than 11,000 votes in the western state, home to the Las Vegas gambling center.
NORTH CAROLINA
In North Carolina, which has 15 electoral votes, Trump had an advantage of about 77,000 votes with 95% of the tabulated ballots. He had about 50% of the total compared to 48.6% for Biden.
Trump is the frontrunner to win the southeastern state, but mail-in ballots sent on or before Election Day in North Carolina can be counted through November 12.
ARIZONA
Biden had an advantage of approximately 47,000 votes with approximately 90% of the ballots written. He has 50.1% of the total compared to 48.5% for Trump.
If Biden wins Pennsylvania, he doesn’t need to hold on to Arizona.
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