The results of the 2024 General Election are out, and the National People’s Power (NPP) has achieved a monumental victory that will be etched in the history of Sri Lanka’s democracy. Setting several unprecedented records, the NPP’s triumph is being hailed as a political phenomenon. This extraordinary victory not only redefines the political landscape of Sri Lanka but also establishes benchmarks rarely seen in global elections.
Historic Achievements by the NPP
- Highest Percentage of Votes in a General Election:
The NPP secured an overwhelming 61.56% of the votes, surpassing the 60.33% achieved by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in 2010. - Most Constituencies Won:
The NPP claimed victory in 152 constituencies, a new record in Sri Lanka’s electoral history, breaking the UPFA’s 2010 record of 136 constituencies. - Most Districts Won in a Single Election:
The NPP emerged victorious in 21 districts, eclipsing the previous record of 19 districts set by the UPFA in 2010. - Highest Nationwide Vote Count:
Garnering 6,863,186 votes, the NPP narrowly surpassed the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) 2020 record of 6,853,960 votes. - Most District-Level Seats Won:
The NPP secured 141 district-level parliamentary seats, overtaking the SLPP’s record of 128 in 2020. - Most National List Seats Allocated:
The NPP gained 18 National List seats, breaking the SLPP’s record of 17 seats from the 2020 election. - Largest Total Parliamentary Seats:
With 159 seats in total, the NPP surpassed the SLPP’s 2020 record of 145 seats, achieving a resounding majority. - First Two-Thirds Majority Under Proportional Representation:
For the first time under Sri Lanka’s proportional representation system, a single party has secured a two-thirds majority, giving the NPP a commanding 159 out of 225 parliamentary seats. - A Remarkable Political Turnaround:
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this victory is the NPP’s rise from a marginal position in the previous election, where it garnered less than 3% of the vote, to a dominant force in 2024.
A Comprehensive and Strategic Campaign
The NPP’s success is attributed to its strategic grassroots mobilization, its ability to connect with the electorate’s growing frustration with traditional politics, and a focused campaign emphasizing transparency, development, and public welfare. Under the leadership of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the NPP presented itself as a credible alternative, resonating strongly with the electorate.
Impact on the Political Landscape
This victory signals a monumental shift in the country’s political paradigm. With an undeniable mandate, the NPP is expected to introduce transformative policies aimed at addressing economic challenges, governance issues, and public discontent. The party’s success is seen as a repudiation of previous administrations and a call for bold reforms.
A Global Benchmark
The NPP’s achievement is not just a national milestone but also a global benchmark. Rarely does a political party manage to break so many records in a single election. From vote share to seat count, the NPP’s accomplishment has set a new standard for electoral success under proportional representation systems.
A Victory for the People
This historic victory reflects the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s citizens for a brighter future. With great power comes great responsibility, and all eyes are now on the NPP as it takes on the monumental task of leading the nation during challenging times.
The 2024 General Election will be remembered not just for its numbers but for the hope and mandate it symbolizes, as the National People’s Power embarks on its journey to shape Sri Lanka’s future.
