Sri Lanka Presidential Election Sees 75% Voter Turnout

Sri Lanka’s presidential election, held on Saturday, saw an estimated 75% voter turnout, according to Director General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayaka. This figure is lower than the 83% turnout recorded during the 2019 presidential election.

Polling Process and Participation

The polls, which ran from 7 am to 4 pm across 13,400 polling stations in 22 electoral districts, saw over 17 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. This year’s election featured a record-breaking 38 candidates, reflecting a diverse political field.

Peaceful Election Amid Economic Challenges

The election took place without any violence or security issues across the island nation, marking a smooth voting process. It was Sri Lanka’s first presidential election since the severe economic crisis in 2022, making it a crucial test for the country’s future leadership.

Counting of Votes Begins

Counting of postal votes, which were cast earlier by government employees, military, and police officials, began immediately after the polls closed. Normal vote counting was scheduled to start at 6 pm, ensuring a timely announcement of results.

International and Local Observers Deployed

The election was closely monitored by nearly 8,000 observers, including 116 international observers from the EU, Commonwealth, and South Asian nations. Local groups like People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections also deployed 4,000 observers to ensure a transparent process.

A Test for the Incumbent President

The election is a key moment for incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has claimed credit for stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy after its historic financial crisis. Voter response to his leadership will be closely watched as the results unfold.