Trump Claims "Election Fraud in Philadelphia"... Another Prelude to Refusing the Presidential Election? (Summary)

[US Election 2024]

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the United States, raised a 'conspiracy theory' claiming that election fraud is occurring in key battleground areas such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of the 5th, election day (local time). When asked whether he would concede if he lost this election, he added the caveat "if it is a fair election." Analysts interpret this as leaving open the possibility of refusing to accept the election results this year, as he did by not recognizing the 2020 election outcome.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

At around 4:40 p.m. Eastern Time, Trump posted on his social media platform 'Truth Social' stating, "There are many talks of massive election CHEATING in Philadelphia." He added, "Law enforcement is coming." About 30 minutes later, he posted an additional message saying, "Philadelphia and Detroit! Strong law enforcement is there."

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this election. Pennsylvania, known as the "battleground of battlegrounds," has the largest number of electoral votes (19) among the seven battleground states, making it a crucial area to secure for victory this year. However, Seth Bluestein, a commissioner and Republican party member in Philadelphia, told AFP that "this claim is absolutely not true" and that "voting in Philadelphia is safe."

In particular, Trump's sudden claim of election fraud on election day afternoon while voting was still ongoing is interpreted as an attempt to rally his supporters. There is also analysis that he is laying the groundwork to refuse to concede even if he loses this election. In the 2020 election, he lost to Democratic candidate President Joe Biden but declared refusal to accept the election results by emphasizing claims of fraudulent voting.

Earlier that day, right after voting in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump claimed, "I did great in the first election (2016), and did much better in the second election (2020), but something happened," asserting that his defeat was due to election fraud. Furthermore, when asked if he would concede if he lost, he reaffirmed his stance by saying he would concede "if it is a fair election." This statement also leaves room for refusing to accept the election results.

Regarding concerns that those who do not accept the election results might incite another riot like the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach, Trump expressed dissatisfaction. When asked if he would urge his supporters to refrain from violence, he replied, "No need to say," adding, "Of course, there will be no violence. My supporters are not violent people."

Trump is expected to watch the vote count with acquaintances at his private resort, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida on the day. Afterwards, he is anticipated to appear at a nearby convention center where thousands of supporters, led by the Trump campaign, will watch the vote count together.