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Poll controversy hurts Sri Lankan government

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Significance

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) confirmed on February 24 that the polls would not be held on March 9 as planned. A day earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed it was misguided to talk about ‘postponement’ as the elections were never declared legally by the ECSL.

Impacts

  • Inability to get the requisite financing assurances from China may delay receipt of IMF bailout funds for at least another month.
  • As austerity measures increase hardship among the population, the appeal of leftist parties will rise, especially in rural areas.
  • Fears will grow over the independence of entities such as the ECSL, which are supposed to be empowered by a recent constitutional amendment.

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