Democrats, Republicans & independents: Candidates still on ballot for US elections

Election season is scheduled to hit the United States in November. Thus, candidates from the Democrats and Republicans along with independents are putting their best efforts to become the 47th President of US. Here are the candidates on the ballot.

The current US President Joe Biden is in the running to be re-elected for a second term. Biden's 2024 reelection campaign focuses on defending American democracy against Trump, who he views as a threat.

Biden, the oldest US president at 81, maintains a tough stance on China and is endorsed by key labor unions. His immigration policy is widely criticized, and his handling of international conflicts, especially in Ukraine and Gaza, has divided opinions within his party. (Photo: AP)

Former US President Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination for a rematch against Biden, campaigning on retribution against political enemies and leveraging his legal challenges to solidify his base. Facing 88 charges across four criminal cases, Trump denies wrongdoing, claiming they are politically motivated. He prioritizes immigration, promising mass deportations and strict policies. Trump supports the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, advocates for state control over abortion laws, and aims to undo Biden's climate initiatives. He has not yet announced a running mate. (Photo: AFP)

Marianne Williamson, 71-year-old best-selling author and self-help guru, has relaunched her 2024 presidential campaign focusing on "justice and love" shortly after suspending it. She stated she was re-entering the race to combat Trump's "dark and authoritarian vision" after previously dropping out due to poor prospects in the "horse race." Williamson had also run in the 2020 Democratic primary but withdrew before any votes were cast. (Photo: Marianne Williamson Facebook)

Robert F Kennedy Jr., 70-year-old independent candidate in the 2024 presidential race, is the son of US senator Robert F Kennedy . Despite facing criticism from his relatives, who back Biden, he's forging ahead with lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his running mate.

Kennedy's pitch includes supporting Israel, questioning Biden's ceasefires, addressing the southern border as a humanitarian crisis, and opposing Trump's border wall. He plans to repeal parts of Biden's climate bill but supports vaccine access despite past false claims. While his campaign reports ballot access in several states like California, Michigan, and Utah, they encounter hurdles in securing access nationwide. (Photo: Reuters)

The 70-year-old political activist, philosopher, and academic is launching a third-party presidential campaign aimed at capturing the attention of progressive, Democratic-leaning voters. Initially running as a Green Party candidate, West shifted gears in October, emphasizing the prioritization of good policies over partisan affiliations and announcing an independent bid. His platform centers on pledges to eradicate poverty and ensure housing for all. (Photo: Cornel West X handle)

Jill Stein, a physician and Green Party candidate who ran for president in 2016, has launched another campaign for the 2024 election. She accused Democrats of repeatedly failing to fulfill their promises to working people, youth, and the environment, while Republicans don't even make such promises.

In 2016, Stein raised millions of dollars for recounts in key states following Trump's victory, but the efforts only resulted in one electoral review in Wisconsin, which confirmed Trump's win. (Photo: AFP)