Polls close in Sri Lanka presidential election | BBC News

Summary

Sri Lanka's presidential election is underway, with 38 candidates vying for the position, aiming to address the country's financial crisis following its economic collapse two years ago. The counting process is expected to be lengthy, with results anticipated on Sunday. The election is seen as a pivotal moment to overcome economic turbulence, with the focus on finding a leader who can alleviate the financial burden on citizens amidst soaring taxes and increased cost of living.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Voting has concluded in Sri Lanka's presidential election, with the nation seeking a new leader to address economic challenges.
• 📉 The country is recovering from an economic collapse two years ago, which led to mass protests and a change in government.
• 🏆 There are a record 38 candidates in the race for the presidency, making the counting process more complex and time-consuming.
• 🕒 The counting of ballots will begin with postal votes, followed by those cast on election day, and is expected to last until Sunday.
• 📊 The electoral system allows voters to mark their first, second, and third choices, which could influence the final outcome given the large number of candidates.
• 💼 The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, largely due to financial mismanagement, has resulted in billions of dollars of foreign debt.
• 💔 The economic turmoil has had a significant impact on everyday citizens, with increased taxes and higher prices for essential goods like food and medicine.
• 🌟 The election is primarily focused on the economy, with voters looking for a candidate who can alleviate the financial burden.
• 🔍 The outcome of the election is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the direction the country takes to overcome its economic struggles.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the presidential election in Sri Lanka?

The main purpose of the presidential election in Sri Lanka is to select a new leader who can repair the country's finances after its economic collapse two years ago.

How many candidates are running for president in Sri Lanka's election?

A record of 38 candidates are standing for president in Sri Lanka's election.

What is the voting system used in Sri Lanka's presidential election?

The voting system allows voters to select their first choice for president, and then their second and third choices, due to the large number of candidates.

Why is the counting process expected to take longer in this election?

The counting process is expected to take longer because of the large number of candidates, which could mean that the final result may depend on voters' second and third choices.

When are the election results expected to be announced?

The election results are not expected until sometime on Sunday.

What was the reason behind the economic crisis in Sri Lanka two years ago?

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka two years ago was largely due to financial mismanagement by the government at the time.

How has Sri Lanka's foreign debt affected its citizens?

Sri Lanka's foreign debt has led to higher taxes and increased prices for goods, including food and medicines, placing a financial burden on everyday people.

What is the primary issue that voters are concerned about in this election?

The primary issue that voters are concerned about in this election is the economy, and which candidate they believe can ease the financial burden on them.

Who is reporting live from Colombo for this election coverage?

Samira Hussein is reporting live from Colombo for this election coverage.

What was the outcome of the mass protests in Sri Lanka two years ago?

The mass protests in Sri Lanka two years ago led to the toppling of the government at the time.

What is the current economic situation in Sri Lanka that the new president will have to address?

The current economic situation in Sri Lanka includes being under billions of dollars of foreign debt and facing higher taxes and increased cost of living for its citizens.