Record Number of Candidates for September 21 Presidential Election

A record-breaking 38 candidates have paid deposits for the upcoming September 21 presidential election, making it the largest number of contestants in the 42-year history of the electoral process.

Among the 38 candidates are 20 from registered political parties, 17 independents, and one representing another political group, according to Saman Sri Ratnayake, the director general of the independent election commission.

While the nominations are set to be officially accepted tomorrow between 9 and 11 am, the final tally of contestants could surpass the previous record of 35 candidates from the last election in November 2019.

(With inputs from agencies.)