By: Isuru Parakrama
September 23, Colombo (LNW): The Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, revealed that over 3.5 million eligible voters did not participate in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election, marking a significant proportion of the electorate.
Speaking during the “Big Focus” current affairs programme today (23), Ratnayake stated that this represents 21.54 per cent of the eligible voting population.
Out of the 17,140,354 registered voters, only 13,619,916 cast their ballots, amounting to a turnout of 79.46 per cent.
This leaves 3,520,438 citizens who chose not to vote. Furthermore, Ratnayake noted that approximately 300,300 votes, representing 2.2 per cent of the total cast, were deemed invalid and subsequently rejected.
Reflecting on voter turnout, Ratnayake remarked, “Typically, voter participation in presidential elections exceeds 80 per cent. However, this time, fewer citizens exercised their voting rights. This issue requires attention not only from the Election Commission but also from political parties, which play a crucial role in mobilising voters.”
He further emphasised the necessity for political parties to develop initiatives aimed at encouraging greater voter engagement, stating that while the Election Commission provides the necessary infrastructure, it is up to the political leadership to ensure voters are motivated to participate in the democratic process.
The lower turnout has raised questions about the political climate and voter sentiment in the country, especially in a year that has seen major shifts in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
