By: Isuru Parakrama
November 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to announce the first results of its 2024 parliamentary elections around 10 p.m. tonight, according to Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake.
The voting process, which began early at 7 a.m., is ongoing at 13,314 polling centres across the country and will conclude by 4 p.m.
Ratnayake emphasised that the initial counting of postal votes is expected to start by 5 p.m., with results dependent on the efficiency and timeliness of individual counting centres.
This election sees 8,888 candidates competing for seats in the new Parliament, representing a broad spectrum of political parties and independent groups.
Over 17 million registered voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots, a figure indicating a potential high turnout despite some challenges.
Evening weather conditions, in particular, may impact voters’ ability to reach polling stations in the later hours.
Election authorities are preparing for an intense round of counting and hope to ensure accurate results despite the anticipated challenges.