US politicians to challenge Biden electoral certification

While it won't alter election results, the move could delay the final step of certifying Mr Biden's win

Senator Josh Hawley speaking at a Congressional hearing earlier this year. He says he will raise objections next week when the Congress meets to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the electShow more

Two US politicians have announced they will object to certifying president-elect Joe Biden's electoral win.

Josh Hawley, a Republican senator from Missouri, on Wednesday said he would challenge the US presidential election results on January 6, when Congress will convene for the final step of officially certifying the results before the inauguration.

The move will not alter the election results but it could delay the final step of certifying Mr Biden's win.

Mr Hawley's decision to object will force a senator and a member of the House to present a debate on a state's results.

His move also forces every member of Congress to vote on whether or not to affirm the electoral college vote results that confirmed Mr Biden's win against President Donald Trump.

The electoral college results, released on December 15, were 306-232 in Mr Biden's favour, with no electors voting against the wishes of the people.

"I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws," Mr Hawley said.

"At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act."

Shortly after Mr Hawley's announcement on Wednesday, Jeff Duncan, a representative from South Carolina, said he also planned to challenge the certification.

"We need to shed light on the issues that took place during the 2020 election to preserve our electoral system for generations to come," Mr Duncan said.

No evidence of electoral fraud has been discovered in the US presidential elections.

US Vice President Mike Pence will oversee the certification of the election results during the Congressional meeting, which will pave the way for Mr Biden's inauguration on January 20.

House majority leader Nancy Pelosi responded to the announcements from the two politicians by expressing confidence that the election would be certified by Congress next week.

"I have no doubt that on next Wednesday, a week from today, Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the electoral college as the 46th president of the United States," Ms Pelosi said.