Former MP Dayasiri Jayasekara is ahead in the heated preferential vote battle taking place in the North Western Province, according to unofficial sources.

The rivalry between the Jayaskara and Johan Fernanado was much talked about as both prominent UPFA candidates were vying for the post of Chief Minister of the North Western Province.

However, according to the latest information received the former UNP parliamentarian is said to be in the lead over party rival Johan Fernando, the son of Minister Johnston Fernando.

Following the announcing of the Provincial polls Jayasekara resigned from Parliament to contest the North Western provincial Council under the ruling party. It was no secret that firebrand politicians was aiming for the post of Chief Minister.

Although the constitution does not state that the candidate to obtain the highest preference votes within the province is awarded the post of Chief Minister, it does prove to be a strong factor in naming the CM as the person to obtain the highest preference votes is the most favored for the job by the public.

Therefore as the battle for preference votes intensified in the run up to the election even the President had declared that the most suitable candidate for the post of Chief Minister would be decided by none other than the voters.

On the other side Dayasiri Jayasekara’s political journey would take drastic turn for the worse if he fails to secure the highest preference votes as it is unlikely that he would settle for just a seat in the Provincial Council after resigning from Parliament.

Jayasekara faced severe adversity even from Sri Lanka Freedom Party seniors during his election campaign due to the fact that he had crossed over from the UNP, while Johan Fernando received the full support and political influence of his father, Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando.

At the same time it should be conceded that considering the voter base of Panduwasnuwara, Dayasiri’s electorate while he was in the opposition, the former MP’s supporters in the area may have also switched their allegiance to the UPFA.

The 40,185 votes the UPFA received in the Panduwasnuwara electorate in comparison to the meager 4,667 votes the UNP managed to secure, clearly shows the trust the people in the area place on Jayasekara.

However, the final decision on who will be appointed as the Chief Minister of the North Western Province lies with President Mahinda Rajapaksa while that decision is constitutionally approved by the Governor of the Province.