On Thursday, Sri Lanka’s 17.1 million voters will participate in snap parliamentary elections, a mere seven weeks after the election of a new president. This election, featuring over 8,800 candidates, unfolds against a backdrop of significant economic challenges and a subdued campaign atmosphere. Voting will commence at 07:00 local time (01:30 GMT) and conclude at 16:00 (10:30 GMT), with counting beginning in the evening and results anticipated by Friday.
Out of the 225 parliamentary seats, 196 will be filled through direct elections, while the remaining positions will be allocated to parties based on their vote percentages through proportional representation. Despite the large number of candidates from 49 political parties and 284 independent groups, only about 1,000 candidates have actively engaged in campaigning, according to Rohana Hettiarachchi, executive director of the poll monitoring group People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections.
The political crisis that erupted in 2022 due to high inflation and shortages of essential goods resulted in the removal of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, secured a $3 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), yet many citizens still grapple with economic hardship.
For instance, garment factory worker Manjula Devi expressed her frustration about ongoing struggles to meet daily needs despite government efforts.
The reality is stark: the percentage of Sri Lankans living below the poverty line has surged to 25.9% over four years, with the World Bank projecting only a 2.2% economic growth for 2024.
Although observers anticipate a fragmented contest in this general election, which could hinder President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, from implementing extensive reforms, the campaign itself has largely remained peaceful.
Raisa Wickrematunge from Himal Southasian magazine noted that without a clear majority, Dissanayake might have to rely on coalitions, complicating his governance strategy. Meanwhile, Rohana Hettiarachchi commented on the relatively low levels of electoral violence this year compared to previous elections.
As Sri Lankans head to the polls once again, the outcome may significantly influence not only political reform but also efforts towards economic recovery amidst ongoing struggles. The nation stands at a crossroads where its democratic processes may shape its resilience against persistent challenges.
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