Trump taking lead, swing states remain uncertain

Polls in almost all of the US states have closed, showing Trump leading with 46 electoral votes. The battleground state of North Carolina was called for the Republicans, however, the remaining six remain uncertain.

Polls are open in only Hawaii and Alaska.

The swing states - Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin- will determine the fate of the tight contest. 

Trump’s watch party erupted as North Carolina was called for Republicans, winning 16 electoral votes.

He is leading in Georgia, and Pennsylvania, where the majority of votes have been counted.

In Arizona and Wisconsin, he is inching slightly ahead. More than half of votes have been counted in those two states.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris is leading in Michigan, though only 32 per cent of the votes have been reported there.

The winner will be the person who gets to a simple majority of 270 of the 538 electors on offer across the 50 states, whether or not they get more votes than their opponent nationwide. 

As of 0840 GST, Trump has won 211 electoral votes, while Harris has won 165.

It's important to note that things can change quickly as more votes are counted.