US Election: Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump to become 46th president

Joe Biden has claimed victory in the 2020 US election, beating Donald Trump to become the 46th president.

Biden has crossed the 270 threshold needed to secure the presidency, winning key battleground state of Pennsylvania, according to AP.

“America, I’m honoured that you have chosen me to lead our great country,” Biden tweeted.

“The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me.”

However Trump is refusing to concede, tweeting: “I won this election, by a lot!”

Trump, who has made repeated claims of electoral fraud without providing proof, immediately accused Biden of "rushing to falsely pose as the winner".

"This election is far from over," he said in a statement.

"Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated."

According to AP’s election count, other major wins for Biden included battleground states Michigan and Wisconsin, worth 16 and 10 electoral college votes respectively.

Michigan was a state to watch after Trump snatched up the Democratic stronghold in the 2016 election, while the coronavirus pandemic and Trump’s response was at the forefront of the minds of voters in Wisconsin.

Biden, 77, and turning 78 later this month, will become the oldest US president to take office when he is sworn in on January 20.

Leaders congratulate president-elect

World leaders have extended their congratulations to Biden, with former president Barrack Obama saying he “could not be prouder”.

In a statement on Saturday (local time), Obama said Biden has "got what it takes to be president and already carries himself that way".

He added Biden was facing a series of “extraordinary challenges” no incoming president ever has ever had to deal with.

Former US president Bill Clinton tweeted, “America has spoke and democracy has won”, while 39th president Jimmy Cater said Biden had a well-run campaign.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden and Harris on a “historical achievement” while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he looked forward to working with the president-elect to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

with AAP

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