President Ranil Wickremesinghe has signaled his intent to proceed with the Presidential Election as scheduled, despite efforts by Basil Rajapaksa to prioritize Parliamentary Polls, reports the Daily Mirror. Wickremesinghe, during recent cabinet meetings, affirmed the election's timing, with sources indicating it will likely occur in the first week of October.

The primary contenders for the presidency include Wickremesinghe from the UNP, Sajith Premadasa from the SJB, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the NPP. Notably, the SLPP is expected to support Wickremesinghe, despite internal divisions.

Efforts to sway Wickremesinghe towards prioritizing parliamentary elections failed, with the President holding firm. Advisers close to him suggested that winning the presidential race could pave the way for UNP's resurgence in parliament.

Meanwhile, Dissanayake and Premadasa face challenges in broadening their support base to secure over 50% of the vote. Wickremesinghe, too, anticipates a tough campaign, particularly after the UNP's recent electoral setbacks.

Amidst political uncertainty, analysts caution against premature predictions, citing widespread voter indecision fueled by past political turmoil and economic crises.