Sri Lanka's Presidential Election: Key Steps and Insights

Sri Lanka's presidential election sees 39 candidates vying for the top post. Official campaigns, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe's rally, kick off following nomination approvals. Candidates will present their positions on financial recovery, corruption, and living standards. Voting and results announcements are expected by Sept. 22.

Sri Lanka's presidential election race intensified on Thursday as 39 candidates filed their nomination papers with the Election Commission by the deadline, ahead of the Sept. 21 vote in the crisis-hit nation.

After the election panel approves the candidates, official campaigns will commence with nationwide inaugural rallies. President Ranil Wickremesinghe will launch his campaign in Anuradhapura on Saturday, marking the first of roughly 100 planned rallies. His main competitors are also gearing up for numerous campaign events.

Over the coming weeks, candidates will unveil their manifestos, outlining strategies to navigate Sri Lanka's financial crisis and improve citizens' living standards. Anti-corruption measures will also be a central theme. The electoral process, governed by a first-past-the-post system, allows voters to cast three preferential votes. If no candidate achieves a 50% majority, a run-off will be conducted. The winner, to be announced on Sept. 22, will take the presidential oath and form a new cabinet.

(With inputs from agencies.)