Sri Lanka presidential election: First ever new vote count to be held

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a recount of the presidential election ballots will be held. None of the 40 candidates who took part in the elections managed to secure 50% plus one vote, as required by the constitution. It should be noted that there was not a single woman among the candidates.

Left Alliance leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake polled 42.31%, while opposition leader Sajith Premadasa secured 32.76% support. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe received just 17% support.

According to the electoral law, there is no second round in such a situation. The ballot papers ask for the first and second alternative candidates. Now the second and third votes of those who did not vote for Dissanayake and Premadasa will be counted.