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Former US Vice-President Joe Biden has formally won the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, after securing more than 1,990 delegates.

He confirmed the development in a post on his Twitter handle in the early hours of Saturday.

“Folks, tonight we secured the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. I’m going to spend every day fighting to earn your vote so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation,” he tweeted.

Folks, tonight we secured the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. I’m going to spend every day fighting to earn your vote so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation. https://t.co/sl3wFGabpg

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— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 6, 2020

In April 2020, Bernie Sanders had suspended his presidential campaign, clearing the path for the former vice-president in his contest against US President Donald Trump.

According to live updates by Associated Press, Biden has currently secured 1,995 delegates, with primaries still scheduled in eight states and three US territories.

In a statement on Saturday morning, the former vice-president spoke against US President Donald Trump’s “divisive” strategy, especially in the light of his comments on deploying the military to quell protests over the killing of George Floyd, a black man.

“A little more than three months ago I stood on stage in South Carolina and told the American people that ours was a campaign for everyone who has been knocked down, counted out, and left behind. Those words take on an ever greater resonance today, at a time when so many Americans are hurting and have suffered so much loss,” he said.

“So many feel knocked down by the public health and economic crisis we are weathering. So many feel counted out and left behind by a society that has for too long viewed them as less than equal, their lives as less than precious.

“This is a difficult time in America’s history. And Donald Trump’s angry, divisive politics is no answer. The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us. Leadership that can bring us together.

“We need an economy that works for everyone — now. We need jobs that bring dignity — now. We need equal justice — and equal opportunities — for every American now. We need a president who cares about helping us heal — now.

“It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded — and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party. I am going to spend every day between now and November 3rd fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation, and make sure that as we rebuild our economy, everyone comes along.

“Today, I’m once again asking every American who feels knocked down, counted out, and left behind, to join our campaign. Because we aren’t just building the movement that will defeat Donald Trump, we are building the movement that will transform our nation. I truly believe that when we stand together, finally, as One America, we will rise stronger than before. This is the United States of America. There is nothing we can’t do, if we do it together.”

Biden is expected to announce his running mate on August 1, 2020.