Polls closed in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections on Wednesday with an all island turnout of 71%, and an even higher turnout in many regions across the North-East.
Though across the island the figure is a six percent decrease in turnout when compared to the elections in 2015, some had expected it to be much lower due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In many places across the North-East, an even higher turnout was recorded. See final turnout figures from the electoral districts below.
Jaffna – 67%
Batticaloa – 76%
Vanni – 73%
Trincomalee – 73%
Amparai – 73%
Election results are due to being counted shortly and will be released throughout the day on Thursday. The election was delayed initially due to the pandemic, and the government has heavily deployed the military and police across the North-East in the leadup to the election.
The results will tell whether or not the Rajapaksas will gain a two-thirds majority, which would allow them to change the constitution to bolster their authoritarian aims. Prime Minister Rajapaksa has gone on record saying they will achieve a two-thirds majority in parliament even if not in the election.
See how voter turnout in the North-East compares with previous parliamentary elections below.
