If the November presidential election is close but tainted with irregularities, many assume Trump will try to stay in power illegally. But Trump & team also should worry that he might win, but his opponents wont recognize the results and begin massive protests.

Both Republican and Democrats , therefore, should have an interest in doing all that they can to guarantee a free and fair election. -- including a safe, healthy election -- that is recognized by all or at least most as being free and fair.

Both Republican and Democrats should fear the breakdown of democracy in November if one side or the other does not recognize the legitimacy of the election results. This is exactly what has happened in other countries (Serbia 2000, Georgia 2003, Ukraine 2004, Malawi 2019)

A prominent international election observer mission could help provide a neutral voice to adjudicate freeness and fairness of the November vote. I realize, however, that Americans have a deep aversion to such observers (though we send them to other countries all the time !)

Many other countries have domestic, independent, nonpartisan election monitoring NGOs. It's probably too late for the U.S. to create such an organization with sufficient credibility to have an impact.

So one can only hope that one presidential candidate wins an overwhelming victory in November. A close election with irregularities could precipitate a breakdown in democracy. It's still unlikely, but more likely than anytime in recent history.