2019 Sri Lankan Presidential Election Saturday Nov 16,2019

Sri Lankans head to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president in a landmark vote as the island nation struggles with a sluggish economy, security challenges and increasing political polarisation.

Presidential Candidates 

The election is contested by a record 35 candidates from across the political spectrum.

 

How voting works 

The island nation has traditionally high rates of voter participation, with more than 15.9 million registered voters in a total population of 21.8 million, according to Election Commission statistics.

 

Sri Lankan Government Structure

Sri Lanka's Government operates under a semi-presidential system, where the president holds widespread executive authority but governs in partnership with a prime minister they appoint and a cabinet recommended by the prime minister.

 

key issues before the polls