US election results show Biden closing in on victory

The outcome of the US presidential election remained in the balance Friday as a handful of battleground states complete their vote counts, but Joe Biden was edging toward victory — barring a surprise.

The Democrat has racked up at least 253 of the 270 electoral votes that he needs, according to US network projections, and has taken the lead in Pennsylvania, which would put him over the top.

Donald Trump has amassed 214 electoral votes so far, and while the Republican incumbent was still in contention in several states that could afford him a path to reelection, that path was narrowing.

In addition to Pennsylvania, Biden has pulled ahead in the southeastern state of Georgia, which has 16 electoral votes, but it remains too close to call.

There is some uncertainty surrounding Arizona, which has 11 electoral votes.

Fox News and The Associated Press have called Arizona in Biden’s favor, but other media have been more cautious.

With Arizona, Biden would currently have 264 electoral votes.

Much of the delay in key states has resulted from a flood of mail-in ballots due to the coronavirus pandemic — and those votes have tended to favor Democrats. (AFP)