Did President Dissanayake win by a percentage of 55.89?
The Mawbima newspaper today (September 23) reported on the overall results of the 9th Executive Presidential Election, stating that Anura Kumara Disanayake and Sajith Premadasa received percentages of 55.89% and 44.11%, respectively, and FactSeeker examined the claim.
by Anonymous |
September 23, 2024
The continuation of the article states that that in the first round, Anura Kumara Dissanayake secured 5,634,915 voted with a percentage of 42.31, and 105,264 from preferential votes, emerging victorious with 5,740,179ක votes (55.89 percent).
The newspaper further reported that Samagi Jana Balawegaya Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa in the first round won 4,363,035 votes with a percentage of 32.76, falling in second place results of the preferential votes were 4,530,902 with a percentage of 44.11.
The results released on the Election Commission’s website did not indicate an overall percentage of the final results (preferential votes included).
When browsing the internet, FactSeeker observed that even Wikipedia displayed he same incorrect percentages. FactSeeker further observed posts circulating on social media indicating false percentages.
The Manthri.lk website displayed accurate figures provided below.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake – 1.26%
Sajith Premadasa – 0.79%
Accordingly, the following is an accurate estimate of the total percentages won by both candidates.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
42.31 + 0.79 = 43.1%
Sajith Premadasa
32.76 + 1.26 = 34.0%
Thus, a clear indication that neither candidate secured nor surpassed the 50 percent mark.
Acciordingly, FactSeeker confirms that the lead news published on the Mawbima newspaper is false.
