Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders registered resounding victories in the party's caucuses in the states of Alaska and Washington on Saturday. The Vermont Senator's wins put the brakes on front-runner Hillary Clinton's drive to the party's nomination for the White House, reported PTI. Sanders won in Alaska by getting more than 80% of the total votes counted, while securing more than 72% of the votes in Washington.

Despite the crushing defeats, especially in the crucial state of Washington, Clinton continues to lead in the delegate count with 1,703. This includes 1,234 delegates she won during the presidential primaries and 469 super delegates who have said they would vote for her. although their position is subject to change. Sanders, on the other hand, has 985 delegates in total, including 956 pledged ones and 29 super delegates.

To become a Democratic party presidential nominee, Clinton or Sanders need at least 2,383 of the total 4,763 delegates, including 712 super delegates who are party office bearers and are not elected as part of the presidential primaries. Super delegates are independent and are free to vote to any of the candidates.