Sri Lanka presidential poll on 16 November
Nominations for presidential election will be accepted on 7 OctoberFormer strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother Gotabhaya will run as an opposition candidate
COLOMBO : State media say Sri Lanka will hold its presidential election on 16 November.
State television Rupavahini announced Wednesday that nominations will be accepted on 7 October.
Under the law, the election must be held between 8 November and 8 December.
Sri Lanka has a strong presidential system of government, with the president being the head of state, head of government and head of the armed forces. A prime minister is in charge of Parliament and the Cabinet.
Former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabhaya, has announced he will run as an opposition candidate, and the election will decide the political future of his family.
Current President Maithripa Sirisena is eligible to run but has not announced his intentions.
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