{"word_count": 102, "character_count": 669}
"Preliminary estimates record close to 80% polling; minority Tamil, Muslim regions see over 70% voting.The November 16 presidential election in Sri Lanka may be headed for a tight race between hopefuls Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa, following a high voter turnout, including in the north and east, home to a large population of minority Tamils and Muslims.According to preliminary estimates provided by the Election Commission, about 80% of the eligible citizens cast their votes, comparable to the 81.52 % recorded in the 2015 election.Initial trends are likely to emerge by Sunday afternoon, while official results will be declared on Monday."via: The Hindu