Democratic Party Moves to Virtually Elect Presidential Nominee After Biden Opts Out

The US Democratic Party has initiated a virtual election process for its presidential nominee. Incumbent President Joe Biden has opted out, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. The formal election procedure will be completed by August 7, followed by the Democratic National Convention from August 19-22 in Chicago.

In a surprising turn of events, the ruling Democratic Party in the US has set in motion a process to virtually elect its presidential nominee for the upcoming November general elections. This announcement came just one day after incumbent President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing his deputy, Kamala Harris.

The Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison and Rules Committee co-chair Minyon Moore unveiled this move in a memo on Monday. The internal party process to select a new presidential candidate is to be finalized by August 7, with the Democratic National Convention in Chicago ratifying the nomination from August 19 to 22.

Harris, 59, has emerged as the sole Democratic candidate following Biden's surprising decision. The majority of top party leaders quickly endorsed her. "Working with the Convention Rules Committee, we are ready to shift the convention's nomination process to a virtual format to ensure our nominees are confirmed before state ballot deadlines," the memo stated.

The DNC plans to employ an electronic voting system for the delegate votes. To participate, candidates must file a formal declaration, meet presidential qualifications, and secure at least 300 delegates, with no more than 50 from a single state.

Should there be multiple candidates, they will present their case to the delegates, with virtual voting set for August 7 if necessary.

"We are committed to an open and fair process and remain laser-focused on winning in November," DNC Chair Jaime Harrison told reporters. Rules Committee co-chair Moore emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation but assured the party's readiness.

Biden's endorsement strongly positions Harris as the leading nominee, although she must still be elected by delegates at the Democratic National Convention. Following Biden's decision, Harris secured endorsements from prominent figures including former President Bill Clinton, easing her path to delegate approval.

An "overwhelming majority" of state Democratic Party chairs have declared their support for Harris, according to the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC).

(With inputs from agencies.)