Sri Lankans vote for new president amid economic crisis and rising inflation

INDC Network : World News : Sri Lanka is holding a crucial presidential election on Saturday, the first since the dramatic ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 following massive protests over the country's worst economic crisis. The election is widely seen as a referendum on the government's efforts to implement tough reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and steering the nation towards recovery. Since the collapse, the country has grappled with rising inflation, tax hikes, cuts in subsidies and cuts in welfare schemes.

These measures were aimed at improving the nation's financial health, but have left many citizens struggling to make ends meet. Voters are expressing frustration over the rising cost of living and widespread poverty, both of which are shaping the political landscape ahead of the election. According to political analysts, economic issues will play a central role in voters' decisions in this fiercely contested election. "Rising inflation, rising cost of living and poverty in the country have left voters desperate to find solutions to stabilise prices and improve livelihoods," said Soumya Bhowmick, associate fellow at India-based think tank Observer Research Foundation. The election is seen as a defining moment for Sri Lanka as it seeks to rebuild its economy and restore both domestic and international confidence in its rule.

Key candidates for the presidency include incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe, who was appointed by parliament to steer the country out of economic decline following Rajapaksa's ouster, is seeking another term. Wickremesinghe, a veteran politician at 75, has faced criticism for his handling of the protests that led to the downfall of his predecessor. Soon after taking office, he cracked down on what remained of the protest movement, leading to accusations of shielding the Rajapaksa family from prosecution and enabling them to regain their political influence. Wickremesinghe has denied these allegations.

Besides Wickremesinghe, several other candidates are expected to grab headlines in this election, which has more contenders than any previous Sri Lankan election. One of the key figures is leftist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has gained growing public support with his strong anti-corruption platform. His calls for accountability and clean governance have impressed many Sri Lankans who have been frustrated by years of political scandals and corruption.

Another key figure in the race is opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who has campaigned on promises of economic relief and restoring the country's financial stability. Premadasa represents the primary opposition to Wickremesinghe's leadership, with a platform that appeals to those seeking alternatives to current economic policies.

Namal Rajapaksa, the 38-year-old nephew of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is also competing. Namal, a rising figure in Sri Lankan politics, aims to restore his family's political dominance despite the backlash that ousted his uncle from office. His candidacy adds another dimension to the election, as Rajapaksa's name still holds sway over a significant portion of the electorate.

Voting is due to end at 6:00 p.m. local time (10:30 GMT), with vote counting to begin shortly after that. However, final results are not expected until Sunday morning. As Sri Lankans cast their votes, the world watches closely, anticipating the outcome of an election that could determine the country's economic future and its path toward reform.