Trump to concede defeat if 'it's a fair election'
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by former U.S. first lady Melania Trump, speaks to reporters as he votes at Mandel Recreation Center on Election Day in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., Nov. 5, 2024. (Reuters Photo)


Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would concede defeat in the U.S. elections if the elections are "fair," raising fears about the use of machines to cast ballots.

"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, repeating a caveat that he has used many times on the campaign trail, told reporters after voting in Florida.

Wearing a red "Make America Great Again" cap, he reiterated his previous criticism of electronic voting machines, suggesting they were less secure than paper ballots and would delay the outcome being known.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump walks with former U.S. first lady Melania Trump, after voting at Mandel Recreation Center on Election Day in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., Nov. 5, 2024. (Reuters Photo)

"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.