Sri Lankans are participating in a pivotal presidential election, the first since widespread protests led to the ousting of the previous leader in 2022. This election is seen as a critical referendum on the economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation following its most severe economic crisis.
The vote comes at a time when many citizens are still grappling with the impact of tax increases, along with cuts to subsidies and welfare programs that have affected their livelihoods.
Experts warn that economic issues will dominate voters’ minds in what is expected to be a tightly contested election.
“The dramatic rise in inflation and cost of living has made citizens desperate for solutions to improve their situations,” stated an expert from a regional think tank. “With Sri Lanka striving to recover from its economic turmoil, this election will be crucial in restoring public confidence in its governance.”
Current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was appointed by parliament after the former president’s abrupt exit, is seeking re-election amidst these challenges.
The 75-year-old has faced criticism for his handling of protests and allegations of protecting the former ruling family, which he has denied.
Challenging him is leftist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has garnered attention with his anti-corruption stance, reflecting widespread public sentiment.
This election features more candidates than any previous election in Sri Lanka’s history, with four main contenders emerging as frontrunners: Wickremesinghe, Dissanayake, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Namal Rajapaksa, the nephew of the ousted president.
Election results will begin to be counted after polling closes at 16:00 local time, but a clearer picture is likely not to emerge until Sunday morning.
An Economy in Crisis
The 2022 uprising, known as “Aragalaya,” resulted from a severe economic meltdown, attributed to years of fiscal mismanagement, weak exports, and the detrimental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues led to a drastic depletion of foreign reserves, surging public debt, and hyperinflation.
While the elite in Sri Lanka have largely remained insulated from the crisis, ordinary citizens faced severe shortages of essential goods, leading to escalating public discontent.
The former president and his administration faced significant backlash for their role in the crisis, resulting in extensive protests demanding his resignation. In a dramatic turn of events on July 13, 2022, demonstrators stormed the presidential palace.
Following the previous president’s departure, Wickremesinghe’s government implemented strict austerity measures to salvage the economy. Despite some success in mitigating inflation and stabilizing the currency, the struggles of everyday Sri Lankans continue.
“Finding a job is nearly impossible,” lamented a young man with a degree in accounting. Many businesses are still reeling from the crisis, with rising operational costs forcing closures and significantly impacting employment opportunities.
Economic indicators reveal that despite improvements, business sentiment remains subdued, with many citizens still feeling skeptical about the sacrifices made to achieve stability.
Main Candidates in the Election
Ranil Wickremesinghe: This marks his third attempt to secure a presidential mandate from the public.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake: A candidate from the leftist National People’s Party alliance advocating for anti-corruption reforms and transparency.
Sajith Premadasa: The leader of the opposition with a significant political legacy, as his father previously served as president.
Namal Rajapaksa: The 38-year-old nephew of the former president, facing challenges due to his family’s legacy in light of recent economic turmoil.
Voting Process Explained
Sri Lankan voters will rank up to three candidates in order of preference to determine the winner. If no candidate achieves an absolute majority, a second round of counting will occur, incorporating second and third-choice votes. Historically, elections in Sri Lanka have not required a second round, making this year’s election potentially unprecedented.
According to analysts, the likelihood of a winning candidate not securing a majority could change the landscape of Sri Lankan elections, highlighting the importance of a peaceful resolution to any disputes that may arise during the process.
