Singapore Presidential Election 2023: Singaporeans head to the polls on Friday in the city-state’s first contested presidential election in more than a decade. The election is being closely watched as an indication of support for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) after a rare spate of political scandals.
The three candidates in the race are:
Tharman Shanmugaratnam: A former deputy prime minister and finance minister in the PAP government.
Tan Kin Lian: A 75-year-old former insurance executive who has received the backing of several opposition parties.
Ng Kok Song: The former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC.
The president of Singapore is a largely ceremonial position, but they do have some important powers, such as vetoing certain government decisions and appointing key government officials.
The election is being held under a new system that was introduced in 2017, which requires presidential candidates to meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum net worth of S$5 million (US$3.6 million).
The election is expected to be close, with Tharman Shanmugaratnam seen as the frontrunner. However, Tan Kin Lian has been gaining in popularity in recent weeks, and Ng Kok Song is also a strong contender.
The outcome of the election will be seen as a test of the PAP’s popularity after a difficult few years. The party has been criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has also been rocked by a number of corruption scandals.
A win for Tharman Shanmugaratnam would be seen as a boost for the PAP, while a win for Tan Kin Lian or Ng Kok Song would be seen as a sign of discontent with the ruling party.
The polls open at 8:00 AM on Friday and close at 8:00 PM. The results are expected to be announced later that evening.
Singapore Presidential Election 2023
The election is being held under a new system introduced in 2017, requiring presidential candidates to meet specific criteria, including a minimum net worth of S$5 million (US$3.6 million). This ensures that only highly qualified individuals are eligible to run for the presidency.
The three candidates have distinct backgrounds. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former deputy prime minister and finance minister, offers experience and stability. Tan Kin Lian, a 75-year-old former insurance executive, runs on a platform of change. Ng Kok Song, former chief investment officer of GIC, is a technocratic candidate.
The election is closely watched as an indicator of support for the ruling PAP after a series of political scandals. Having been in power for over 60 years, the PAP faces increasing challenges.
Results of the election held on September 1, 2023:
- Winner: Tharman Shanmugaratnam with 61.24% of the vote.
- Runner-up: Tan Kin Lian with 34.8% of the vote.
- Third place: Ng Kok Song with 3.96% of the vote.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s victory was a surprise, as he was not the clear frontrunner. His experience and commitment to social justice won over voters.
Tan Kin Lian’s strong showing was also unexpected, as an independent candidate tapping into discontent with the PAP.
Ng Kok Song’s performance, while disappointing, raised awareness of middle-class issues and may pave the way for future opposition candidates.
The results are mixed for the PAP, indicating continued support but also growing challenges that need addressing for the party to stay in power.
Summary
Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been declared the winner of the Singapore presidential election, held on September 1, 2023. He received 61.24% of the vote, followed by Tan Kin Lian with 34.8% and Ng Kok Song with 3.96%.
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Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a former deputy prime minister and finance minister in the PAP government. He is seen as a safe and experienced choice for president. He has a strong track record in economic management, and he is also committed to social justice.
Tan Kin Lian is a 75-year-old former insurance executive who has received the backing of several opposition parties. He is running on a platform of change. He has criticized the PAP for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for its perceived lack of transparency.
Ng Kok Song is the former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC. He is seen as a technocratic candidate. He has focused his campaign on economic issues, such as the rising cost of living.
The results of the election are a mixed bag for the PAP. On the one hand, Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s victory is a boost for the party, and it suggests that they still have the support of the majority of voters. On the other hand, Tan Kin Lian’s strong showing is a sign that the PAP is facing increasing challenges, and it will need to address these challenges if it wants to remain in power.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be sworn in as Singapore’s ninth president on September 14, 2023.