evidence: Up until this presidential election, Sri Lanka has historically seen a two-pronged battle between two frontrunners. However, for the first time, we have four influential political leaders – incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the opposition, Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Namal Rajapaksa – vying for the presidency, of which three are frontrunners (Anura, Sajith and Ranil). The Election Commission has already informed their officers to be prepared for a possible second count for the first time, unlike in the past when a winner is usually declared at the very first count. According to the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the total votes to win the election. [...] Many Sri Lankans have, since the economic crisis, called for change. For the first time, the NPP’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake, identified as a left-wing populist, has gained significant traction in recent months due to his continuous pledges to fight corruption – an important demand of the 2022 uprising that ousted Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the presidency. A notable portion of the younger generation, along with a significant segment of grassroots voters, appears to favor Dissanayake as part of their demand for change from traditional politicians.