Presidential Elections are on 21 September 2024. Sri Lanka’s political landscape is very complex. Polls show this race may be a three-way contest, potentially making it difficult for any single candidate to secure the required 50% +1 of votes in the first round. Given the possibility of a close race, it is essential for voters to understand the preferential voting system and how it could determine the outcome.
How the Preferential Voting System Works
Sri Lanka’s election system allows voters to mark their preferences for multiple candidates. Voters can mark ‘1’ for their first choice and, if they wish to make additional choices, they mark ‘2’ and ‘3’ for their second and third preferences.
The rules are strict: marking three crosses or mixing numbers with crosses will invalidate the vote.
However, if you vote for a single candidate, you can mark a cross, which is treated as a vote for your top choice.
But what happens if no one wins 50% of the vote in the first count?
The Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981 specifies that if no candidate receives the required 50% +1 of the total votes, the Election Commission will conduct a second count. During this process, the top two candidates from the first count will remain in the race, and the second and third preferences from the ballots of eliminated candidates will be reallocated to them. Whoever receives the highest number of votes in this round will be declared the winner, without the need for a 50% majority.
Why Your Preferential Vote Is Vital
So, in such a competitive race, your first choice might not be enough.
Let’s consider a fictional scenario: You are passionate about Candidate A, but he is not likely to make it past the first count. Instead of casting just one vote and ending your influence there, you could give your second preference to Candidate B, someone you find reasonable if Candidate A doesn’t succeed. In a tight election, this second preference could be crucial in deciding the final outcome, if the race goes to a second count.
Ensuring a President is Elected
In an election that could be more fragmented than ever before, we must remember that Sri Lanka needs a president. Political polarization is strong, and it can feel challenging to vote for someone beyond your primary choice. However, the preferential voting system is there to ensure that voters can have a broader impact. Even if your preferred candidate isn’t among the frontrunners, your preferences can shape the final result, helping elect someone who reflects the broader will of the electorate.
So, when you step into the voting booth on the 21st, think carefully about your second and third choices. The race may not be as simple as “Candidate A vs. Candidate B.” It might be a contest that requires more strategic voting, where your second and third preferences could decide who will lead the country.
So, remember to study the list carefully and mark your choices with the numbers 1, 2, and 3.
Make Your Voice Heard: Make Your Votes Count
The preferential voting system is designed to ensure that every voter’s voice is heard, even in a race as unpredictable as this. Whether it’s on the first or the second count, your vote has the power to shape Sri Lanka’s future. Take the time to use your vote wisely, marking not just your first choice but also considering alternatives for your second and third preferences.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about voting for your favorite candidate – it’s about ensuring the country has a leader.
