Sri Lanka Set to Hold Snap General Election Amid Recovery from Financial Crisis
Colombo: Sri Lanka is gearing up for a snap general election on Thursday, called by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to secure a parliamentary majority that will support his reforms as the country continues to recover from a severe economic crisis. Here’s a detailed overview of the election process and what voters can expect:
The Call for a Snap Election: President Dissanayake dissolved parliament on September 24, shortly after his election, citing the need for a fresh mandate to implement sweeping reforms. With only three lawmakers from his party in the current parliament, which was scheduled to complete its term in August 2025, Dissanayake sought to gain the necessary support for his agenda through a new election.
Campaigning and Political Landscape: Campaigning officially concluded at midnight on Monday, two days before the election. Dissanayake’s call for early elections has shifted the political landscape, as various parties have focused on presenting their visions for economic recovery and reform. While Dissanayake’s party, the People’s Liberation Front (JVP), leads the charge, the opposition remains fragmented and struggling to present a unified front.
Voter Turnout: An estimated 17.1 million Sri Lankans are eligible to vote, including around 1 million first-time voters. This election is expected to be particularly significant for the younger generation, who are eager to see political change after the country’s devastating economic crisis.
Election Process: Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections use a mixed electoral system. Voters will directly elect 196 members from 22 constituencies through a proportional representation system. The remaining 29 seats will be distributed according to the national proportional vote each party receives. Voters can cast up to three preferential votes for candidates within their selected party, providing a degree of flexibility in choosing representatives.
Voting and Security: Polling stations will open across the country from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time (0130 GMT to 1030 GMT). With the current political climate marked by heightened tension, voting will take place under stringent security measures to ensure a smooth process. A large number of polling stations will be monitored by election officials, party representatives, and international observers to maintain transparency and fairness.
Vote Counting and Results: After the polls close, the counting of votes will begin, overseen by government employees, the Election Commission, and various party representatives. Given the scale of the election, the process is expected to take several hours. The Election Commission is slated to announce the official results on Friday.
Formation of Government: Once the results are confirmed, a new cabinet will be formed, and the newly elected parliament will convene on November 21 for its first session. The parliament will elect a speaker, and President Dissanayake will address the chamber to outline his key policy priorities moving forward. This election, the second in just a few months, is crucial for shaping the future direction of Sri Lanka’s recovery and its political stability.
As Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads, the snap election offers voters a chance to influence the country’s path forward, with expectations high for reforms that will address the economic challenges and political disarray that have plagued the nation.
