Election in Sri Lanka: A Significant Election

• Sri Lanka’s presidential election is set for September 21, marking the first opportunity for citizens to choose their leader since ousting former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa two years ago.
• The election is significant as it is the first poll held since the 2022 economic downturn.
• The Rajapaksas’ party, which still holds a majority in the legislature, has been decimated, and traditional parties like the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party have weakened.
• The new President will face economic recovery, debt negotiations, and the challenge of securing parliamentary support in a fragmented legislature.
• The National People’s Power Alliance (NPP), led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, has emerged as a prominent third front challenging the old political order.
• A record 39 presidential aspirants filed nominations for the election, with incumbent President Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and another Opposition politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake seen as the frontrunners.
• Wickremesinghe is campaigning on a plank of “stability” and claiming credit for setting the country on a path of recovery.
• Premadasa promises to build a resilient economy, enhance educational opportunities, and governance with digital aids.

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election: A Predictive Election

• The election is a preferential voting system in Sri Lanka, with a candidate securing 50% plus one vote to be declared winner.
• The top two candidates’ preferential votes are factored in, and the contestant with the highest number of votes is named winner.
• The election is contested by around 17 million voters from Sri Lanka’s 22 million-strong population.
• The top three candidates’ chances are based on their messages addressing the concerns of the common people, who are struggling with high living costs and altered lifestyles.
• The voting pattern of the island’s ethnic minorities, including Tamils, Malaiyaha Tamils, and Muslims, will decide the winner.
• The Tamil and Muslim political landscape is more fragmented than before, with no Rajapaksa contesting to win.
• Tamil voters are divided on the presidential election and other policy and governance issues.
• The Malaiyaha Tamils are mostly backing either Wickremesinghe or Premadasa, while key Muslim leaders are part of Mr. Premadasa’s alliance.
• The new President’s job will be challenging due to the country’s ongoing debt treatment plan, joblessness, and the upcoming general election.