Sri Lanka will hold its presidential election on Saturday, marking the first vote since the island nation’s economic collapse in 2022. A total of 38 candidates are vying for the top position in an election that has drawn significant attention from both India and China, given Sri Lanka’s strategic importance to both nations.
Polling began at 7 A.M. local time and will continue until 4 P.M. The counting of votes will commence shortly thereafter, with results expected to be announced on Sunday. Approximately 17 million citizens will participate in electing the country’s 10th President.
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The election revolves primarily around economic issues, as Sri Lankans face inflation, food shortages, and fuel scarcity. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who seeks re-election, is currently the frontrunner but faces strong competition from two notable challengers: Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party, who has been leading in opinion polls, and Sajith Premadasa, the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa and the leader of the main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
India, with its long-standing ties to Sri Lanka, is particularly concerned about China’s expanding influence in the region, especially as the island nation has historically been an ally of New Delhi. The election outcome is crucial for India, as the country aims to counterbalance China’s growing foothold following Sri Lanka’s shift into a debt relationship with Beijing due to its economic struggles.
Sajith Premadasa has emerged as the most vocal critic of China’s increasing presence in Sri Lanka. As both India and China vie for influence in this strategically located nation, the identity of the next President will hold significant implications for regional dynamics and future foreign relations.
