The 78-year-old is inching closer to victory after winning Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina key battleground states, putting him just three electoral votes shy of the 270 threshold needed to defeat his rival, Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris, who is trailing with 224 electoral votes.
Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described his ballot triumph as a “magnificent victory for the American people” that would usher in a “golden age” for the country.
“This will truly be the golden age of America. It will make America great again. There was no other path to victory,” he told his supporters.
Trump promised Americans he would make them “very happy” and “very proud” of their vote.
“We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,” Trump said. “We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country.”
In his speech, Trump praised tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “super genius” while thanking those who contributed to his campaign on Election Night.
“A star is born: Elon,” Trump said, directing his message to the SpaceX and X owner.
“Only Elon can do this,” he said about a recent SpaceX launch. “That’s why I love you, Elon,” he added.
Trump was also ecstatic that Republicans had regained control of the Senate in this year’s election.
“The number of victories in the Senate is incredible. You’ll have great senators, and it looks like we will be keeping control of the House of Representatives too,” he added.
The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, who defeated him in 2020. However, Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.
Trump’s victory is significant, as it would make him only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland—a feat last achieved 132 years ago.
The watch party at Howard University had begun with music pumping and crowds dancing; however, the mood started to dampen as results from the Tuesday election began to trickle in, with the Republican Party surging ahead.
The heartbroken crowd, which had initially cheered as races were called in favour of Harris, was later seen booing as states were called for Trump.
Some of the disappointed Harris supporters began to leave the party after Harris Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that the candidate would not speak until later on Wednesday.
“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has spoken.
“So you won’t hear from the Vice President tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the supporters.
Trump is expected to reclaim the presidency after losing to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
He has already secured three key battleground states, putting him ahead with 267 electoral college votes against Harris’s 214. He now only needs three more electoral votes to reach the 270 threshold to win the presidency.
The 78-year-old candidate is projected to win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia—the first three battleground states to be called in the U.S. presidential election—leaving Kamala Harris with only a slim chance to make history as the first Black woman and female U.S. President.
The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and Biden, but Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.
Rwanda will present its premium flowers under the Rwanda fresh brand at stand C5.06. Represented by Bella Flowers and NAEB, the country is highlighting its rapidly growing floriculture sector, aiming to enhance its international visibility, attract new buyers, and promote sustainable floriculture.
This event serves as a key platform for Rwanda to establish strong connections with buyers and distributors from around the world. According to Janet Basiima, Market Development Manager at NAEB; “IFTF 2024 is an exceptional opportunity for Rwanda to strengthen its global business relationships and showcase the excellence of our flowers, which are renowned for their quality and sustainable production.”
Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor at Bella Flowers, shares this enthusiasm and emphasizes the importance of this event in expanding their client portfolio in Europe and Asia: “IFTF is a strategic meeting point to develop our customer base internationally and position Rwandan flowers as a superior quality choice in the global market.”
The Rwandan floriculture sector is recognized for its ecological practices and commitment to sustainability. Roses from Rwanda, cultivated in optimal conditions, are particularly sought after for their exceptional quality. Rwanda is establishing itself as a major global player in floriculture, with the ambition of making Rwandan roses a symbol of excellence in the global flower market.
The country has invested heavily in dedicated infrastructure for this industry, with over 200 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of roses and summer flowers. These investments aim to increase production and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Bella Flowers, a major player in the industry, manages a flower farm of 100 hectares and produces 75 million stems of roses each year. The company plans to expand its production in the coming years to meet growing demand. In addition to roses, Bella Flowers also cultivates summer flowers and a patented variety of Gentians to diversify its offering and satisfy a demanding international clientele.
Rwandan flowers, particularly roses, are grown in a moderate tropical climate that allows for regular production year-round. These crops are primarily destined for European markets, with significant weekly exports.
Floraculture has been a priority sector for Rwanda for over ten years. The government has implemented measures to support this industry, including offering land and investing in the infrastructure necessary for its growth. Rwanda’s participation in IFTF 2024 reflects the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in the production of quality flowers while emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
With ambitious projects such as expanding the production of roses and summer flowers, Rwanda is positioning itself as a prime destination for investors in the floriculture sector. The goal is to increase exports and grow the industry while ensuring environmentally friendly production.
Rwanda’s participation in the International Flower Trade Fair (IFTF) 2024 marks an important milestone in the country’s rise as a key player in global floriculture. The sector, supported by sustainable agricultural practices and a commitment to innovation, is well on its way to conquering international markets while strengthening Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Thus, with its presence at IFTF, Rwanda positions itself not only as a producer of high-quality flowers but also as a model of sustainable development in the floral industry.
Anti-government protests have rocked Mozambique’s capital since the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party secured victory. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for street demonstrations to contest Daniel Chapo’s 70.7% election win.
Amid the ongoing protests, claims surfaced on social media suggesting that Rwandan troops deployed to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado had joined local security forces to quell the protests, allegations that the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) swiftly dismissed as false.
In a recent statement, the EU affirmed the RDF’s position, insisting that “No evidence has been put forward to support the claims that Rwandese troops are present in Maputo.”
The EU, which supports the Rwandan troop mission in Cabo Delgado through facilitation and equipment, also dismissed reports that it was funding Rwandan security forces to violently repress the protests.
“As a friend and partner of the people of Mozambique, the European Union supports the country in restoring peace, security, and stability across Cabo Delgado through an integrated approach combining efforts in the areas of peace and security, development, and humanitarian aid.
“The European Union absolutely refutes the grave and groundless allegations that the EU is financing the Rwandese army in Mozambique to violently repress protests in Maputo,” the EU stated.
The EU warned against misinformation saying, “The European Union cautions against the spread of misinformation and calls on all parties to observe calm, restraint, and a sense of responsibility.”
Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union equips the Rwandan Defence Forces with protective individual equipment and covers the costs of transporting military staff to fight the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
“EPF support takes place in full compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and its implementation is subject to rigorous safeguards, controls, and monitoring mechanisms,” the EU added.
Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017.
Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated, with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.
Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended.
Harris entered the presidential race after President Joe Biden withdrew in July, following a disastrous debate with Trump that inflamed concerns about his age.
The former senator from California and Democratic candidate was the latest entrant in a race that now includes five candidates, though it’s widely seen as a two-horse contest between her and the outspoken Republican candidate.
The other three presidential hopefuls from third parties remain relatively unknown outside the U.S. But who are they, and what do they stand for?
{{Chase Oliver
}}
The 39-year-old politician is running for the U.S. presidency on the Libertarian Party ticket.
Oliver previously ran for a U.S. Senate seat from Georgia in 2022, where he garnered 2% of the vote.
As the youngest candidate in the race, Oliver describes himself as a champion of individual rights against the growing power of the state. His political activism began with opposition to the Iraq War during George W. Bush’s presidency, and he joined the Libertarian Party after attending Atlanta’s Pride Festival in 2010.
His running mate is Mike Ter Maat, a former police officer in Broward County who served from 2010 to 2021 as a registered Libertarian.
The Libertarian Party typically secures around 3% or less of the national vote, though its members could still play a pivotal role in swing states.
The party, founded in 1971, advocates for minimal government intervention in both economic and personal affairs. As one of the largest third parties in the country, it emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.
{{Jill Stein
}}
The 74-year-old physician is running on the Green Party ticket, making her second stab at the presidency after her first attempt in 2016.
Stein launched her current campaign accusing Democrats of repeatedly betraying their promises “for working people, youth, and the climate,” while stating that “Republicans don’t even make such promises in the first place.”
The Green Party is a progressive political party focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence.
Established in 1984, the party emerged from the global Green movement, which began in Europe in the 1970s. It positions itself as an alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly on issues of environmental protection and economic inequality.
While the Green Party rarely wins significant representation in national elections, it plays a crucial role in advocating for progressive issues, influencing policy discussions, and occasionally affecting election outcomes, especially in close races.
{{Cornel West
}}
The 71-year-old American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist is running as an independent candidate. He has taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary.
Initially, West ran as a Green Party candidate but announced in October that he would run as an independent, stating that people “want good policies over partisan politics.” His campaign aims to attract progressive, Democratic-leaning voters.
At the top of his campaign pledges is ending poverty and guaranteeing housing.
Addressing the media on Monday, November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the virus may persist in specific body parts such as the inner parts of the eyes, breast milk, and semen, even when it is no longer detectable in blood tests.
“Recovery means the virus is no longer in your blood, confirmed through two tests taken 72 hours apart. Therefore, we advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sex until final tests confirm complete elimination of the virus,” he stated.
The minister noted that some discharged patients had disregarded protection guidelines, leading to new infections through unprotected sexual contact.
“We are closely monitoring them to prevent its spread, while also aiming to avoid stigmatization. They should not be treated as if they still carry the virus and need to be avoided.”
He explained that monitoring of the recovered patients may last from one to three months, and in some cases, up to a year, as each patient has unique health conditions.
“The virus may persist in certain areas longer, remaining longest in semen but briefly in saliva and urine. We are currently testing all recovered patients’ urine, breast milk, and semen to ensure the virus is entirely eliminated,” he revealed.
Dr. Nsanzimana affirmed that these individuals will remain under observation until final tests confirm no trace of the virus. Currently, some recovered patients are tested weekly and updated on their health status.
Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.
So far, 66 people have been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.
The Ministry of Health indicates that, while Marburg’s mortality rate in other affected regions can reach up to 90%, in Rwanda, it currently stands at 22.7%.
Swift measures implemented by the government have been credited with the high number of recoveries and the low number of deaths reported in the country. Notably, there have been no new deaths recorded in about a month.
During the meeting, the Rwandan minister congratulated the newly appointed envoy and commended the continued growth of bilateral relations between Ghana and Rwanda.
Amporful is expected to present his letters of credence to President Paul Kagame before formally assuming office.
The presentation of letters of credence is a formal diplomatic act that marks the official beginning of an envoy’s role as a representative of their country.
These letters, usually signed by the head of state, serve as certification of the envoy’s authority and legitimacy.
This gesture is essential in diplomacy, as it establishes the high commissioner’s standing and ability to conduct official duties and engage with the host country on behalf of their government.
Amporful will be the first Ghanaian High Commissioner with a residence in Kigali, as the previous commissioner to Rwanda was based in Nairobi, Kenya. The envoy’s appointment was approved by the Cabinet in May.
Ghana now joins dozens of foreign missions with residences in Kigali, reflecting the growing presence of nations establishing diplomatic ties and representation in Rwanda.
Political pundits remain confident that the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be determined by swing states. These battleground states are significant in U.S. elections as they often decide the outcome in the Electoral College due to their unpredictable voting patterns.
The Electoral College is a unique system used in U.S. presidential elections, where voters technically vote for electors, who then vote to elect the president and vice president. This system is so powerful that a candidate can win the popular vote—meaning they receive more total votes from across the country—but still lose the election due to the Electoral College.
In the U.S., each state has a set number of electors, which is equal to the sum of its U.S. Senators (always two) and its U.S. Representatives (which varies based on the state’s population). In total, there are 538 electors, and a candidate must receive a majority—at least 270 electoral votes—to win the presidency.
In recent days, Trump, who is running on the Republican Party ticket, and his Democratic counterpart, Harris, have continued their blitz across key swing states such as Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina as they press for any possible advantage in the closing days of the campaign.
Other swing states expected to determine this year’s election outcome include Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin. These states were pivotal in the 2020 election and remain closely contested due to their evenly split or shifting voter demographics.
There are two notable examples where the Electoral College determined the winner despite the national popularity indicating otherwise:
{{Al Gore in 2000}}
The Democratic Party’s Al Gore won the popular vote by over 500,000 votes in the 2000 presidential election but lost the presidency to Republican George W. Bush. The Electoral College vote came down to a razor-thin margin in Florida, where Bush won by a small number of votes.
Despite Gore’s popular vote lead, Bush secured more electoral votes, 271 against Gore’s 266. In this election, one of Washington D.C.’s three electors abstained from voting, which lowered the total electoral votes cast to 537 rather than the usual 538.
{{Hillary Clinton in 2016}}
In the 2016 election, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly three million votes, but Trump won the presidency by capturing key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These wins gave Trump enough electoral votes to surpass the 270 needed, even though Clinton received more votes nationwide.
{{Policies}}
Divergent stances on key policies are also expected to play a role in determining the winner. Trump and Harris differ on the implementation of various government policies, with each strongly defending their positions.
For instance, Trump has been promoting tax cuts for businesses and higher-income earners, arguing that this approach stimulates economic growth and investment. Harris, on the other hand, supports progressive tax reforms, including higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social programs. She advocates for policies aimed at reducing income inequality, increasing the minimum wage, and providing direct support to lower- and middle-income families.
On the sensitive issue of immigration, Trump proposes strict immigration policies, focusing on border security, reducing both legal and illegal immigration, and building a border wall. His policies include reducing refugee admissions and imposing travel bans from certain countries. Harris advocates for more inclusive immigration policies, including protections for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, expanding pathways to citizenship, and reforming the immigration system to be more humane and efficient.
On social issues, Trump generally opposes expanded LGBTQ+ rights and has taken stances against abortion, appealing to conservative and evangelical bases. Harris, by contrast, supports LGBTQ+ rights, expanded gender equality initiatives, and access to reproductive healthcare.
As the election approaches, the nation waits to see how these policy differences and the dynamics of the Electoral College will shape the final outcome.
Telesphore Munyembabazi, a resident of Burera District in Kagogo Sector, Nyamabuye Cell, explained that he admired Vladimir Putin’s commitment to justice, resistance to war, and support for African development. Comparing Putin favourably against America and Europe, he decided that if he ever had a son, he would name him after Putin.
In September 2023, when Munyembabazi’s expectant wife visited a health centre, he gave her a note specifying that if the baby was a boy, he should be named Vladimir Putin; if a girl, Maria Zakharova.
After the birth of his son, when it came time to officially register the baby’s name, healthcare workers were taken aback by the choice and refused to proceed with the registration.
According to the 36-year-old Munyembabazi, a doctor immediately called him, questioning, “What kind of name is this? I cannot register a child with this name,” and added, “Putin is a terrorist.” Munyembabazi responded, “Do not insult my child; such comments upset me.”
Munyembabazi went to the health centre to understand why his chosen name was rejected. The healthcare staff challenged him, asking why he wanted to name his child after someone they saw as a warmonger. He stood his ground until the issue escalated to the health centre’s management, who also could not resolve it and eventually reached out to district officials.
Frustrated with the response, Munyembabazi threatened to leave the child at the health centre, saying, “I will keep pursuing this until a solution is reached; if it becomes impossible, I’ll continue calling for action.”
He stated, “Naming him Vladimir Putin reflects my admiration for Putin and his country’s stance of non-interference. The world is changing, and the era of colonial dominance will eventually end. If people can name their children Queen or Elizabeth without any problem, why should naming my child Vladimir Putin be an issue?”
Currently, Munyembabazi’s son, Vladimir Putin, is one year and nearly two months old. In the community, he has become well-known, and wherever his parents take him for church services or other functions, people are intrigued by his name, often providing quick assistance.
Munyembabazi says that when his son grows up, he will explain that he was named after Putin for his bravery and encourage him to stand for truth, reject arrogance, and fight against injustice.
She was announced as the winner after a hard-fought race to replace Rishi Sunak, under whose leadership the Conservative Party was dethroned after 14 years in power. The 44-year-old defeated Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting, garnering 53,806 votes to Jenrick’s 41,388.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the new leader of the Tories, now the opposition party in the UK.
{{1. Nigerian Descent
}}
Kemi was born in January 1980 in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents Femi and Feyi Adegoke. She spent much of her childhood in Nigeria and the United States before returning to the UK at the age of 16.
She is one of three children born to her Yoruba parents. Her father was a medical doctor, and her mother was a university lecturer. Kemi’s father passed away in February 2022.
{{2. Software Engineer and Lawyer
}}
Kemi studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex, completing her MEng in 2003. She then worked as a software engineer at Logica from 2003 to 2006.
While at Logica, she studied law part-time at Birkbeck, University of London, and graduated in 2009.
Kemi also worked as a systems analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group before pursuing a career in consultancy and financial services, serving as an associate director at Coutts & Co from 2006 to 2013 and later as a digital director at The Spectator from 2015 to 2016.
{{3. Joined the Conservative Party at Age 25
}}
The 44-year-old politician first showed interest in politics at the tender age of 25 when she joined the Conservative Party in 2005. She later contested the 2010 general election for the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency against Labour’s Tessa Jowell and finished third.
Not one to be discouraged, she tried again in 2012 and stood for the Conservatives in the London Assembly election, where she was placed fifth on the London-wide list. The election saw the Conservatives win three seats from the London-wide list, with Kemi narrowly missing out.
{{4. Elected to the London Assembly in 2015
}}
Kemi assumed her London seat three years later during the 2015 general election, following the election of Victoria Borwick to the House of Commons, which prompted her to resign from the London Assembly. The fourth-placed candidate on the list, Suella Fernandes, was also elected as an MP, making Kemi the new Assembly Member. She retained her seat in the Assembly at the 2016 election.
{{5. Elected to Parliament in 2017
}}
In 2017, Kemi was shortlisted as the Conservative Party’s candidate for the marginal Hampstead and Kilburn constituency but was unsuccessful. However, she was selected as the Conservative candidate for Saffron Walden and won the election with 37,629 votes, achieving a majority of 24,966, representing 41.0% of the total.
{{6. Held Key Roles in Johnson, Truss, and Sunak Governments
}}
In July 2019, she was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
In February 2020, she became Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities.
In September 2021, Kemi was promoted to Minister of State for Equalities and appointed Minister of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government in a government reshuffle.
On July 6, 2022, she resigned from the government in a joint statement with fellow Ministers Alex Burghart, Neil O’Brien, Lee Rowley, and Julia Lopez, citing Boris Johnson’s handling of the Chris Pincher scandal.
After Liz Truss became prime minister in September 2022, she appointed Kemi to her Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Trade. Following Truss’s resignation the following month, Kemi endorsed Rishi Sunak in the leadership election, stating that he was “the serious, honest leader we need.”
She later served in Sunak’s administration as Secretary of State for International Trade and First Secretary of State at the newly created Department for Business and Trade.
{{7. Lost Bid to Succeed Johnson as Conservative Leader in 2022
}}
Following Johnson’s resignation, Kemi launched a bid to succeed him as Conservative Party leader, stating that she wanted to “tell the truth” and advocated for “strong but limited government.” However, she was eliminated in the fourth round of voting and did not endorse another candidate.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Kemi revealed that the experience of Nigeria’s economic and social upheavals shaped her political outlook.
“I grew up somewhere where the lights didn’t come on, where we ran out of fuel frequently despite being an oil-producing country,” Kemi stated.
“I don’t take what we have in this country for granted. I meet a lot of people who assume that things are good here because they always will be. They don’t realize just how much work and sacrifice was required to get that.”
{{8. Gender-Critical Feminist
}}
Kemi describes herself as a gender-critical feminist and has been an outspoken critic of moves to amend legislation to allow for self-certification of transgender identity.
As Minister of State for Equalities, Kemi opposed plans by the Financial Conduct Authority to allow trans employees to self-identify in the workplace, opposed gender-neutral toilets in public buildings, and has spoken in favour of retaining single-sex spaces such as toilets, professional sports, changing rooms, and domestic violence shelters for women.
{{9. Hacked a Labour MP’s Website
}}
In 2018, Kemi was involved in a controversy regarding the hacking of Labour MP Harriet Harman’s website, where she admitted to altering its content to claim that the then-Deputy Leader was backing Boris Johnson in the race to become London mayor.
“This was a foolish prank over a decade ago, for which I apologise,” she told broadcaster Sophy Ridge in response to a question about the “naughtiest” thing she had done.
Following her admission, she faced backlash. The incident was part of a broader narrative about her political past, but it did not appear to have a long-lasting negative impact on her career. She continued to rise through the ranks of the Conservative Party, ultimately becoming a Member of Parliament and serving in various ministerial roles.
{{10. Wife and Mother of Three
}}
Kemi tied the knot with banker Hamish Badenoch in 2012. They have three children—a son and two daughters.
