Singapore has elected former Indian-origin minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam as its new President, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. Shanmugaratnam secured an impressive victory, receiving more than 70.4% of the votes in the presidential election, which witnessed a high turnout of voters after more than a decade.
Triangular Contest Leads to Victory for Tharman Shanmugaratnam
In a closely watched triangular contest, Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerged as the victor. He faced competition from two other candidates vying for the position of the ninth President of Singapore. Notably, the other candidates included N. Kok Song, the former Chief Investment Officer of Singapore’s ‘Government Investment Corp’ (GIC), and Tan Kin Lian, the former head of the country’s state-owned insurance group NTUC Income.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam: A Vision for Singapore’s Future
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a 66-year-old Singapore-born economist of Indian origin, officially launched his presidential campaign just last month. During his campaign, he pledged to uphold and promote Singapore’s rich culture on the global stage. His vision resonated with voters and garnered significant support.
Rigorous Qualification Process for Presidential Candidates
Candidates aspiring to become President in Singapore must undergo a rigorous qualification process. Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s selection as a candidate reflects his outstanding qualifications and suitability for the role.
Historic Turnout in the Presidential Election
The presidential election saw an impressive turnout, with over 2.7 million people exercising their right to vote. This election was a historic moment for Singapore, as it marked the first presidential election in 12 years. The previous election in 2017 was reserved for Malay candidates and had gone uncontested. Prior to that, Singapore had its last presidential election in 2011, with the inaugural election held on August 28, 1993.
Transition from Outgoing President Halimah Yacob
The six-year term of the outgoing President, Halimah Yacob, will conclude on September 13. Halimah Yacob holds the distinction of being the eighth President of Singapore and the first woman to hold this esteemed position. It’s worth noting that the 2017 presidential election in Singapore was a reserved election, allowing only members of the Malay community to participate, resulting in Halimah’s uncontested nomination as President.
