USA – Top Republicans have rejected President Donald Trump’s suggestion that November’s presidential elections should be delayed over alleged fraud concerns.
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy both dismissed the idea.
Trump does not have the authority to postpone the election, as any delay would have to be approved by Congress.
Earlier, Trump suggested that increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results. Trump floated a delay until people could “properly, securely and safely” vote. There has been little evidence to support Trump’s claims but he has long railed against postal voting, which he has said would be susceptible to fraud.
Senator McConnel said no US presidential election has ever been delayed before.
“Never in the history of this country, through wars, depressions and the Civil War, have we ever not had a federally scheduled election on time. We will find a way to do that again this November third,” he said.
McCathy echoed him. “Never in the history of the federal elections have we ever not held an election and we should go forward with our election,” he said.
Trump ally Senator Lindsay Graham meanwhile said a delay was “not a good idea”.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo refused to be drawn into Trump’s suggestion. When asked if the president could delay an election, he said he would not “enter a legal judgement on the fly”.
