Sri Lankans went to the polls Thursday in a parliamentary election that will determine the future direction of the country and test the power of the newly elected Marxist-leaning president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, The Associated Press reports.
With over 17 million people eligible to vote, the election marks a pivotal moment for the island nation grappling with its worst economic crisis in history.
Dissanayake, who secured a historic victory in the presidential election on September 21, has pledged to consolidate his National People’s Power (NPP) party’s control and implement his economic recovery plan. However, his failure to secure a majority in the presidential election has raised concerns about his party’s chances in Thursday’s vote.
The NPP needs to significantly increase its vote share – from the 42% it won in the presidential election – to acquire a minimum of 113 seats in the 225-member Parliament. This task is further complicated by the fact that many of the NPP’s candidates are relative newcomers facing off against seasoned politicians from the traditional parties.
Dissanayake, after casting his vote, urged voters to grant his party a strong mandate to implement his programs.
The main competitor to the NPP is the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (United People’s Power) party, led by Sajith Premadasa, who came in second in the presidential election.
The election coincides with Sri Lanka’s struggle to emerge from a debilitating economic crisis that saw the country default on its external debt in 2022. While a bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is underway and debt restructuring with international creditors is nearing completion, Dissanayake’s promises to amend the IMF deal have been met with mixed reactions.
The economic crisis, exacerbated by mismanagement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a series of terrorist attacks, has led to widespread discontent and a yearning for change. Dissanayake’s promise to punish corrupt officials from previous administrations and recover stolen assets has resonated with many.
Election results are expected to be announced on Friday.
