WASHINGTON: Super Tuesday, the pivotal day in the US presidential primary cycle, looms large as fifteen states and one US territory prepare to hold Republican nominating contests. All eyes are on whether Nikki Haley can halt frontrunner Donald Trump’s march to the Republican presidential nomination.
Meanwhile, Democrats also head to the polls, with President Joe Biden poised for an uncontested nomination.
Super Tuesday, slated for March 5, sees a staggering 874 of 2,429 Republican delegates up for grabs, including crucial contests in populous states like California and Texas. With 1,215 delegates needed for nomination, the outcome of these contests could shape the trajectory of the race.
The states participating in Super Tuesday span multiple time zones, potentially leading to delayed results. Notably, California allows vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day, with a deadline for receipt by March 12. Open primaries in some states add an element of unpredictability, allowing registered voters to choose their preferred primary.
For Haley, Super Tuesday represents a critical juncture in her bid to challenge Trump’s dominance. While polls favor Trump in several key states, Haley remains undeterred, vowing to press on and offer voters a genuine alternative. As the former UN ambassador crisscrosses the country and builds momentum, the results in battleground states like North Carolina could offer crucial insights into each candidate’s strength.
Trump’s commanding lead in the polls underscores the uphill battle facing Haley, yet her determination to provide voters with a meaningful choice underscores the stakes of Super Tuesday. With the Republican nomination hanging in the balance, the outcome of these contests will reverberate throughout the political landscape, shaping the path to the November general election.
