Marxist Candidate Leads Sri Lanka Presidential Election

Sri Lanka's Marxist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken a commanding lead in the presidential election, winning approximately 53% to 60% of the votes counted so far. Dissanayake, representing the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, is ahead of opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who are trailing with around 19% to 22% each. The election has turned into a referendum on Wickremesinghe's IMF-backed austerity measures, which have been unpopular among the masses despite stabilizing the economy. If Dissanayake wins, he would become Sri Lanka's first Marxist head of state, promising tougher anti-corruption measures and renegotiation of the IMF agreement. The election also carries significant geopolitical implications, with India and the US closely monitoring China's influence in Sri Lanka. Voter turnout was high, with about 75% of the electorate participating in the vote.