As the United States awaits the outcome of one of its most hotly contested presidential elections in recent history, former President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to concede if he loses under specific conditions. Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Florida on Tuesday, Trump stated he would concede if the election is “fair.”
“If I lose an election, if it’s a fair election, I would be the first one to acknowledge it. So far I think it’s been fair,” Trump commented, sharing his willingness to step back if all processes are clear and equitable.
However, Trump again expressed doubts regarding the security of electronic voting machines, a recurring theme in his recent speeches. Criticizing their use, he suggested that a return to paper ballots and stricter identification requirements would lead to quicker and more secure results.
“They spend all this money on machines… If they would use paper ballots, voter ID, proof of citizenship, and one-day voting, it would all be over by 10 o’clock in the evening. It’s crazy,” he told reporters in West Palm Beach.
He added: “Do you know that paper is more sophisticated now than computers? If it’s watermarked paper you cannot… It’s unbelievable what happens with it. There’s nothing you can do to cheat.”
Asked about fears of unrest after the election and whether he would call on supporters to avoid violence, he criticized the question.
“I don’t have to tell them that, that there’ll be no violence. Of course there’ll be no violence. My supporters are not violent people,” Trump said.
