The Republican presidential primaries begin in the US state of Iowa on Monday (7 p.m. local time, Tuesday 2 a.m. CET). According to polls, former President Donald Trump is the clear favorite for the nomination to challenge incumbent Joe Biden in the November election. His strongest rivals within the party are the former US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, and the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
The Republicans in Iowa vote in the traditional form of the caucus, in which party members meet in schools, churches, gymnasiums or living rooms. In contrast to tradition, President Biden’s Democrats in Iowa are voting for the first time in an email process lasting several weeks. In their case, Biden is practically confirmed as the presidential candidate; he has no serious competitors. The primary elections continue on January 23rd in New Hampshire, when both Republicans and Democrats will vote.