The US elections are being held today and the situation for the Democrats does not look so promising.
Here are three scenarios in which things could play out after the election, and what that means on the American and international level.
To what extent is the future of Donald Trump and not just the past, the following hours will show this.
Trump’s MAGA movement has evolved from a fringe faction of the Republican Party into a dominant force. More importantly, Trump’s candidates largely deny the results of the 2020 election and claim that Joe Biden did not win fairly.
The first scenario
Democrats hold the Senate, but Republicans hold the House of Representatives. In this case, there could be a number of House-led investigations — from the withdrawal from Afghanistan to the Mexican border and the coronavirus.
Biden’s son, Hunter, may face investigation on suspicion of tax fraud. There is an outside chance that Republicans could try to impeach President Biden. On the climate front, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will make the green agenda much more complicated
The second scenario
Republicans hold the House of Representatives and the Senate. Biden politicians can be blocked and scrutinized at every turn. A key issue to monitor would be continued US support for Ukraine. On climate change, the US could essentially withdraw from any progressive green program, which would massively affect global climate goals.
The third scenario
Democrats hold the House of Representatives and the Senate. This scenario could revive mainstream climate change policies. Also, the right to abortion and same-sex marriage can be codified in law. In addition to progress on climate change, general support for Ukraine in the war with Russia will continue.
The voting process in the US can be a bit confusing. If you’re not sure what the midterm elections mean and how the voting takes place, experts clarify the matter in detail
What exactly is being voted for?
All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives are up for grabs, as politicians here serve only two years.
Democrats tightly control the House of Representatives at the moment, but Republicans only need a net gain of five seats to take the majority.
In the Senate, which consists of 100 seats – only 35 seats are contested.
The Democrats currently have control of this one, as Vice President Kamala Harris has a ‘broken’ vote, although the Republicans need a net gain of a single seat to take control.
Meanwhile, there are 36 races for governor and other lower offices up for grabs — and there are also ballot initiatives on issues including abortion access and gun control.
What does the Republican victory mean?
A big night for Republicans would mean an influx of politicians who have spread Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen or rigged.
It would also mean that Kevin McCarthy — who has not ruled out trying to impeach Joe Biden — would become the Republican chairman.
Republicans are likely to launch a series of investigations into Democrats, into everything from the withdrawal from Afghanistan to the origins of COVID-19.
What does the victory of the Democrats mean?
That would give Biden a boost as he considers whether to run for re-election in 2024.
It would also give him a chance to build his social, health and climate change legislation, as well as balance Supreme Court justices with liberal choices.