Vice President Kamala Harris is set to preside over the certification of her own defeat to Donald Trump in Congress today, marking a rare historical moment in American democracy.
Harris will join a small group of Vice Presidents who have overseen the ceremonial confirmation of their own election losses whilst presiding over the Senate.
The certification comes exactly four years after the US Capitol attack, when Trump supporters violently disrupted the process that formalised Joe Biden's 2020 victory.
In her role as Senate president, Harris will formally validate the electoral results that ended her bid to become America's first female President.
In a video message released ahead of today's proceedings, Harris described her role as a "sacred obligation" which she would uphold.
"This duty is a sacred obligation, one I will uphold guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution and my unwavering faith in the American people," the Vice President said.
She emphasised the importance of protecting democratic principles, stating: "As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile."
"It is up to each of us to stand up for our most cherished principles," Harris added, highlighting that peaceful transfer of power distinguishes democracy from "monarchy or tyranny."
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Harris follows in the footsteps of only two other Vice Presidents in recent history who have certified their own defeats in White House elections.
Richard Nixon presided over the certification of his narrow loss to John F. Kennedy in 1960.
Al Gore similarly oversaw the confirmation of his defeat to George W. Bush in 2001, following the contentious Supreme Court ruling that ended the Florida recount dispute.
During that 2001 session, Gore had to gavel down objections from some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Maxine Waters, who attempted to challenge Florida's electoral votes.
Gore received a standing ovation from lawmakers after completing his constitutional duty.
Harris's role in today's certification carries particular significance given her experience during the January 6, 2021 attack.
On that day, she was at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington when a pipe bomb was discovered nearby, forcing her evacuation from the building.
Throughout her campaign, Harris frequently referenced the Capitol attack to warn voters about Trump, describing him as a "petty tyrant" and "wannabe dictator".
No disruptions are expected during today's certification, with Trump's transition team spokesman Karoline Leavitt confirming there will be "a smooth transition of power".
After losing the election, Harris had pledged in her concession speech to honour the democratic process.
"A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results," she said at the time.
Trump's incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President-elect would "deliver on his promise to serve ALL Americans and will unify the country through success".
President Biden joined Harris in emphasising democratic principles, saying on Sunday he was "determined to do everything in my power to respect the peaceful transfer of power".
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