The U.S. Congress will meet on Monday to certify Donald Trump’s victory in the November presidential election, facing off against current Vice President Kamala Harris.
As the presiding officer of the Senate, Vice President Harris is responsible for overseeing the counting of results from each of the 50 states, placing her in the position of certifying her own defeat.
The certification process has long been a formality in the election process, but four years ago it descended into chaos when Mr. Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, injuring around 140 police officers, causing significant damage to the building, and forcing lawmakers to take shelter for their safety.
Similar scenes are not expected on Monday, as Ms. Harris has acknowledged her loss and President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for a peaceful transfer of power.
Authorities have made preparations for any eventuality, erecting high metal barriers around the Capitol complex.
Speaking on Sunday at the White House, President Biden called the events of January 6, 2021, “one of the darkest days in American history.”
“We must return to the normal process of power transition,” he said.
He added that Mr. Trump’s actions four years ago, which included repeated false claims that he won the election, “were a real threat to democracy.”
More than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack. Mr. Trump has vowed to issue pardons for those individuals after he takes office on January 20.
Source: VOA
