Sri Lanka Holds Snap Parliamentary Elections

Sri Lanka is conducting snap parliamentary elections, with new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) party projected to secure a significant majority to implement economic reforms following a severe economic crisis in 2022. Over 17 million voters are participating, choosing among 8,800 candidates, in what has been described as one of the most peaceful election campaigns in the country. Dissanayake, who took office after winning the presidential elections two months prior, aims to gain at least 113 seats in the 225-member legislature to strengthen his reform agenda. The NPP, which previously held only three seats, is seen as the favorite, but concerns linger about their ability to achieve the necessary majority. The election results are expected to be announced on Friday, following the close of polls at 4 PM local time. Dissanayake's administration is also maintaining a $2.9 billion IMF bailout agreement to stabilize the economy, despite previous indications he might renegotiate it.