Sri Lankans have cast their votes in the country’s first election since the economy collapsed, triggering mass protests and causing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee. The election is seen as a referendum on current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has implemented austerity measures supported by the IMF to stabilize the economy, but left many struggling financially.
With two main rivals, Wickremesinghe remains unapologetic about his reforms aimed at preventing bankruptcy. Opposition candidates, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa, have gained support by promising to combat corruption and improve governance in the country.
Despite the violent past of Dissanayake’s party, the JVP, and Premadasa’s family history in politics, they both have strong support from voters looking for change. According to Murtaza Jafferjee of think tank Advocata, many voters are disappointed in the current government’s handling of the country.
With 17 million eligible voters, a record 38 candidates are competing for the presidency in Sri Lanka. Security measures have been put in place to prevent political violence, with thousands of police officers deployed at polling stations.
Polling stations closed at 4pm with counting expected to start shortly after. The results are anticipated to be announced on Sunday.
The election marks a critical moment for Sri Lanka as the public decides the direction of the country and the future of its economy.
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