Political circles are rife with speculation regarding whether President Ranil Wickremesinghe will announce general elections prior to the scheduled presidential elections set to take place before October 17.
Numerous news reports, circulating in both mainstream and social media, suggest the likelihood of general elections preceding the presidential elections.
Inside political sources reveal a division within the United National Party (UNP), led by the President, with some key members advocating for adhering to the constitutional schedule and holding the presidential election first. Conversely, others within the party are pushing for a general election, believing that contesting while the President is in office would enhance their chances of securing parliamentary seats.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a pivotal party supporting the President in Parliament, holds considerable influence in the decision-making process. The UNP, with only one seat in the House, expressed readiness for any election during a meeting with the President approximately one month before the party’s convention.
As the governing party with majority support in the House, any withdrawal of support from the President in the House would impede legislative work, potentially leading to the dissolution of Parliament for a snap general election.
However, the SLPP faces a dilemma as several of its MPs, uncertain about re-election, are hesitant to go for a general election mid-term. Opting for a full term in the House would entitle them to pension benefits, making the prospect of an election unappealing to the SLPP at this juncture.
The National People’s Power (NPP), a political alliance led by the JVP, prefers conducting the presidential election first and has initiated political meetings in anticipation of upcoming elections next year.
President Wickremesinghe’s decision may pivot on maintaining parliamentary stability and securing support from key political players. The presence of tycoon-turned-prospective presidential candidate Dammika Perera at the SLPP convention is interpreted as a deliberate signal to the President regarding the party’s stance on supporting a candidate in the upcoming presidential election. The President currently possesses the constitutional authority to declare a snap general election. Source – Dailymirror.lk
