Unique Survival: The New Chapter Of Sri Lanka’s Election

Uncover the unique survival strategies that define Sri Lanka’s presidential election and economic reform agenda. This insightful piece breaks down the critical elements of the election and why your voice matters now more than ever!

In a significant presidential election, Sri Lankans have made it to the polls for the first time since mass protests triggered the departure of the former president 2022. The election is expected to act as a referendum on the economic reforms put forward to get the nation from its worst economic crisis.

Still, despite certain signs of recovery, many Sri Lankans are continuing to struggle with higher taxes, cuts to subsidies, and a reduction in other types of welfare. Economic issues were prevalent in the consciousness of those arriving at the polls, which analyst believe will create a very close, competitive race.

The counting began with postal votes at 17:00 local time (11:30 GMT), but will not be released until Sunday morning.

Focusing Upon a Struggling Economy

The “Aragalaya” (struggle) movement that led to the exit of previous president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was initiated due to an economic meltdown. Under-taxation, weak export performance, public policy mistakes, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, emptied Sri Lanka of its foreign exchange reserves. Public debt rose to over $83 billion, while inflation spiked to around 70%.

The elites of the country were relatively insulated during the crisis period from food shortages, cooking gas, and medicine, however, the everyday people of Sri Lanka had suffered sufficient atrocity, resentment, and protest toward the way the economic situation had transpired and limited their ability to address welfare issues directly impacting their lives.

The protests reached their apex on July 13, 2022, when peaceful protestor groups entered the presidential palace, ultimately prompting Rajapakse’s exile from the country when he resigned. An experienced politician, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was selected as the parliament’s choice for a replacement as president.

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The Major Candidates in a Crowded Field

This election has had the most candidates of any past Sri Lankan presidential election. Four prime candidates based upon their results in early exit polling appear to be controlling news coverage.

Ranil Wickremesinghe: But the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has attained 75, said that he wants to be president for another term as well because he was promoted to the position by parliament in 2022. During the presidency of Wickremesinghe marked by unpopular economic reforms meant at restabilizing the economy, the government in power has been accused of controlling the protest movement earlier and is now trying to save the head of the Rajapaksa family from becoming the culprit.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake: a candidate from the left wing National People’s Party, has made significant headway in this election by running on an anti-corruption platform based on good governance and economic justice – an appealing message to many voters’ desires for change.

Sajith Premadasa: the leader of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party, comes from a political legacy, as his father was Sri Lanka’s second executive president until he was forthnightly in 1993. The opposition leader has resigned his voter consultation, claiming the government has done a very poor job of running the economy.

Namal Rajapaksa: at 38-years-old, is the nephew of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His candidacy only reflects the relevance of the Rajapaksa family within Sri Lankan politics but prospects of Namal do not seem bright as many voters did hold some culpability related to total economic collapse of the country related to the Rajapaksa family.

The Electoral Dynamics in Context

The general election is happening at a crucial juncture for Sri Lanka. Even though the interim government of ex-president Ranil W. has improved inflation and stabilized the Sri Lankan rupee, many average citizens live paycheck-to-paycheck. There are few jobs available, and small businesses still face high raw-material costs and weaker demand. “It hurts to see my factory after 35 years in ruins,” said a small business owner named Norbet Fernando.

Sri Lanka uses a ranked voting system where voters can rank as many as three candidates in order of preference. If none of the candidates receives a majority of outright votes, the second round of votes uses the second and third preferences of voters to inform the outcome. While Sri Lanka has never had an election that descended into a second round, one might be required this time around.

Given the competitive nature of the race, analysts of the elections, such as Alan Keenan of the International Crisis Group (ICG), are anticipating a second round possibly being needed to decide a winner. “Opinion polls indicate that the vote will likely, for the first time ever, result in a total to win without a majority”.

The Road to the Future for Sri Lanka

This election signifies a critical juncture in Sri Lanka’s transition from its financial difficulties. Despite the prospect of stabilization brought about by economic reforms, numerous voters are doubtful as to whether the sacrifices, in the form of diminished jobs, heightened taxes and reduced welfare are worthwhile alternatives. Regardless of elections results, the nation’s leadership will need to confront the fundamental aim of progressing in recovery whilst simultaneously looking to reaffirm confidence in governance, both domestic and international.