Thousands of Democrats from across the United States are gathering in Chicago this week for the party’s National Convention.
Every four years, the two major political parties in the US both hold conventions as part of the election cycle.
The conventions usually culminate in the formal announcement of the presidential nominee, but this year, has already been announced.
At the Republican National Convention in July in Milwaukee, Donald Trump was officially nominated and introduced his pick for vice-president, Ohio senator JD Vance.
Here’s what you need to know about the DNC, what happens there, and why it’s a big deal.
What is the Democratic National Convention?
The DNC dates back to 1832, when a group of Democrats gathered in support of then-President Andrew Jackson to nominate him for another term.
The DNC takes place every four years and is usually focused on the formal nomination and announcement of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates ahead of the upcoming election.
The 2024 event is taking place at the United Center Arena in Chicago. It kicked off on Monday, 19 August and will run until Thursday 22 August. The public speeches and main stage events will run from around 5pm to 10pm local time each night.
What will happen at the 2024 DNC?
Vice-President Kamala Harris was already officially nominated in July in a virtual vote due to concerns about ballot access in states with early deadlines. On 6 August, Harris announced as her running mate.
With the presidential and vice-presidential candidates already announced, delegates at the DNC will rally behind them and celebrate the outgoing Biden-Harris Administration.
There will also be caucus meetings, training sessions, panel discussions, briefings and presentations, and the party’s platform will be outlined ahead of the November election.
According to the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), approximately 5,000 delegates and 15,000 members of media are expected to attend.
Who is speaking at the DNC?
The program includes speeches from high-profile Democrats including outgoing president Joe Biden, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and and Bill Clinton.
Walz will introduce himself to Americans on Wednesday night, and Harris will end the convention on Thursday with one of the biggest speeches of her political career.
Monday will focus on the Biden administration’s policy accomplishments; Tuesday will contrast Trump’s and Harris’ visions for America; and Wednesday will emphasise the importance of protecting individual freedoms.
Thursday’s program, highlighted by Harris’ nomination acceptance speech, is titled, ‘For Our Future.’
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will also attend the convention, Ardern’s spokesperson said.
Along with attending the event, Ardern would take part in a side event at the national convention, the spokesperson said.
What else is expected at the 2024 DNC?
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters plan to gather during the convention, demanding that the US end its aid to Israel amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The March on the DNC, a Coalition of over 200 organisations from all over the country, plans to hold two demonstrations during the event.
Throughout the week, Trump and Vance will be counter-programming the Democratic convention with a tour of battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia.
