Why today's parliamentary election in Sri Lanka is important for the country's future

 

Election results might determine the political and economic destiny of the nation, thus the stakes are enormous.

The tone for resolving the island nation's political and economic issues in the years to come may be set by the parliamentary election that new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for on November 14 in an effort to increase legislative support for his plans.

In order to elect 225 lawmakers—196 directly and 29 under a proportional representation system—nearly 17.1 million Sri Lankans are registered to vote.

After winning the September presidential election on a platform accusing the nation's conventional governing class of causing the economic disaster that led to Sri Lanka's loan default, Mr. Dissanayake called for a quick election.

Sri Lanka's President, Jayawardena Dissanayake, is seeking a parliamentary majority to implement his policy agenda amid a severe financial crisis. The crisis, triggered by economic mismanagement and political instability, led to mass protests in 2022. 

Dissanayake has pledged to abolish the executive presidency, combat corruption, and end the austerity regime imposed by his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

The alliance holds just three seats in the outgoing parliament, but opinion polls give it an advantage over the parties that have ruled the nation since 1948.

Over the past four years, Sri Lanka's poverty rate has risen to 25.9%, with the World Bank forecasting a 2.2% growth in the economy by 2024. 

To implement reforms, President Mahinda Rajapaksa needs a two-thirds majority of 225 legislative seats. The people have high expectations for system change, including holding politicians accountable for corruption. 

However, there is a debate about the economic trajectory, as it is unclear whether Sri Lanka can escape the debt trap while protecting livelihoods. 

Over 8,800 candidates from 49 political parties and 284 independent groups are contesting the election, but only about a thousand have actively campaigned.

Polling is underway in Sri Lanka, with 13,421 stations and 152,000 election officials and 27,000 police officers on duty. 

The election is expected to bring about a generational shift in the country, with parties like Mr. Dissanayake's National People's Power coalition gaining traction. 

Young candidates are campaigning on anti-corruption, transparency, and economic reform, challenging traditional political patronage and addressing long-standing issues like economic inequity and corruption.

Mr. Dissanayake, who faces the task of addressing the country's economic challenges, is also committed to ensuring citizens don't suffer further hardship. 

Despite opposing the International Monetary Fund's bailout conditions during his campaign, he agreed to honor the deal while seeking ways to ease its harshest measures. 

The election outcome could shape the country's recovery efforts.