DEMOCRATS have delayed the party’s national convention, which would have named its candidate against Donald Trump for the US presidential elections later this year.

Democratic National Convention chairman Tom Perez announced that the gathering, scheduled for July 13 in Milwaukee, would be pushed back until at least mid-August due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"The health and safety of our convention attendees and the people of Milwaukee is our top priority,” Mr Perez said.

"We will continue to be in contact with local, state, and federal health officials as we monitor this fluid situation.

“The Democratic Party is ready to defeat Donald Trump, the American people are ready to elect a Democratic president, and I have absolute confidence that our team is ready to deliver a successful convention for our nominee,” he said.

Vermont senator Bernie Sanders is vying for the Democratic Party nomination against former vice president Joe Biden.

Having made a strong start, Mr Sanders is trailing his rival after the Democratic Party establishment and their media allies swung behind Mr Biden.

The Republican Party’s national convention, planned for August 24, is also in doubt. Mr Trump is not officially the party’s presidential candidate until the gathering confirms his nomination.