Sri Lanka's presidential election has progressed to the second round of counting, according to Chairman of the Election Commission R.M.A.L. Ratnayake on Sunday.
The main contenders, Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National People's Power (NPP) and Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB), have advanced to this crucial stage after incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe did not secure enough votes in the first round.
Ratnayake highlighted that no candidate achieved the required 50 percent of the total votes, necessitating a second and potentially third preference count as outlined in the Elections Act of 1981.
All counting centers have been directed to proceed with the additional counting rounds and submit their results to the Election Commission. This marks a historic moment for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time the presidential race is being decided through a second round of counting after the top two candidates failed to reach the mandatory vote threshold.
The outcome of this extended counting process will determine the next leader of Sri Lanka, reflecting the nation's commitment to a fair and democratic electoral process.
Reference(s):
Sri Lanka's presidential election enters second round of counting
cgtn.com
