USPresident Donald Trump’s suggestion that November’s presidential election should be delayed over alleged fraud concerns has received strong opposition from within the Republican party.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy both dismissed the idea.

In accordance with US law, President Trump relies on approval from the US Congress for such a move to take place. 

But it doesn’t seem likely.

“Never in the history of this country, through wars, depressions and the Civil War, have we ever not had a federally scheduled election on time. We will find a way to do that again this November third,” Senator McConnell said.

President Trump made his call for elections to be postponed amid rising cases of COVID-19, suggesting that increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results.

There is little evidence to support Mr Trump’s claims but he has long railed against postal voting, which he has said would be susceptible to fraud.

US states want to make mail-in voting easier because of public health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.