On Thursday, Sri Lankans will participate in a snap parliamentary election, following the election of a Marxist-leaning president earlier this year. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for the election after blaming the traditional ruling elite for the economic collapse that led to the country defaulting on its loans. Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, despite having only three seats in the current parliament, is favored in opinion polls over parties that have been in power since the country gained independence in 1948. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka oversees the election process, with all 225 seats in the parliament up for grabs. A party needs to secure 113 seats to win. There are 17 million registered voters out of a population of 22 million. Voting will take place at 13,421 polling stations, with paper ballots being used. Dissanayake has pledged to fight corruption, end austerity measures, and abolish the country’s executive presidency system. The NPP alliance would need a parliamentary majority to pass laws and a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments. The outcome of the election is crucial for Dissanayake to pursue his political vision for the country. Opinion polls indicate that the NPP is likely to win a majority in the parliament, with the SJB as the main opposition party. The final results are expected to be announced within a day or two after the polling. This election is seen as critical for Dissanayake to implement his ambitious agenda and bring about significant changes in the country.
