Tulsi Gabbard nominated Sanders for president

Sanders called for suspension of rules to pave the way for unanimous nomination of Clinton as the party's candidate

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard nominated Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as the Democratic party's candidate for the November general elections at the national convention here.

As expected, Sanders lost the nomination to Hillary Clinton, who has become the first woman to be a presidential nominee of a major political party.

Gabbard, the first Hindu to be elected to the US Congress, underscored Sanders' popularity and issues he raised during the Democratic primaries in her nomination speech.

"Because this movement is a fueled by love, it can never be stopped or defeated," Gabbard said.

"Now on behalf of millions inspired by aloha, determined to seek a future reunited in love, passion and justice for all. I am truly honored to nominate Bernie Sanders for president," the Hawaii lawmaker said as she proposed to nominate Sanders as the party's presidential candidate.

A day earlier, Sanders had asked his supporters to vote for Hillary Clinton.

However, his fiercely loyal supporters pushed to ensure that he got a roll-call vote. Gabbard was among the few Democratic lawmakers to have supported Sanders.

On Monday, the Vermont Senator said he would continue to work for a political revolution and announced the formation of a new group called Our Revolution.

Sanders had received some 13 million votes during the primaries. Clinton now aims to seek the support of these votes.

After the roll-call votes, Sanders made a surprise appearance. He called for suspension of rules to pave the way for unanimous nomination of Clinton as the party's presidential candidate. With this the party is now expected to show a united front before the November general elections.