Politics Sri Lanka elects: New president seeks parliamentary majority

Parliamentary elections are being held in Sri Lanka, in which the National People's Power Alliance under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is seeking a decisive majority. The election is seen as a test of popular support.

Elections for a new parliament have begun in Sri Lanka, just two months after the left-wing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office. The National People's Power (NPP), led by Dissanayake, is seeking a majority in the 225-seat parliament in order to implement its political goals more effectively. The 55-year-old Marxist hopes to push ahead with his reform plans by strengthening his position. Until now, the NPP has only had a few representatives in parliament.

More than 17 million citizens of the South Asian island state are called upon to cast their vote. MPs are normally elected for a term of five years. However, Dissanayake used his presidential powers to dissolve parliament prematurely in September and call new elections. It is not yet clear when the first results of the election will be available.

Challenges and expectations

The NPP is considered the favorite in this round of elections, but it remains questionable whether it can achieve the required majority of at least 113 seats. According to the Sri Lankan newspaper "Daily FT", the election is seen as a crucial test of whether Dissanayake's coalition will receive the necessary popular support. The NPP has promised to lead the country back to economic stability, a promise that is of great importance given the ongoing economic problems. Two years ago, a severe economic crisis led to massive protests, the effects of which are still affecting the country.

SDA