Former deputy prime minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has won a landslide victory in Singapore’s presidential election, securing 70.4% of the vote.
[1/5] Presidential candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam meets his supporters after early sample vote count results at the presidential election in Singapore September 1, 2023-Image Source: REUTERS
The election was seen as a barometer of public sentiment amid economic challenges and high-profile scandals. Analysts said the landslide victory for the candidate seen as closest to the establishment is a sign that Singaporeans generally still trust the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).
“It shows that the PAP is still a trusted brand, as long as the candidate that is put forth is credible. Tharman is as credible as it gets,” said political scientist Walid Jumblatt Abdullah of Nanyang Technological University.
The role of the president is largely ceremonial in Singapore, though the office is expected to ensure checks and balances on the government. The president holds the key to the country’s large but undisclosed reserves, with veto powers over any budget or specific transaction that is likely to draw on those reserves.
Tharman, 66, is a respected economist and technocrat who has held a number of top positions in the government, including finance minister and trade minister. He is seen as a moderate and consensus-builder, and is expected to use his presidency to promote social and economic progress.
In his victory speech, Tharman said he would work to unite Singaporeans and build a more inclusive society. He also pledged to be a responsible steward of the country’s resources.
“I will do my best to uphold the trust that Singaporeans have placed in me,” he said. “I will work with all Singaporeans to build a better future for our country.”
The election was the third presidential election since a 1991 act gave the public the right to choose the president. Tharman will be the country’s ninth president overall.
The other two candidates in the race were Ng Kok Song, a former civil servant, and Tan Kin Lian, a former banker. Ng received 15.72% of the vote, while Tan received 13.88%.
The election was held amid a period of economic uncertainty and political scandal. The economy has been slowing down in recent years, and there have been a number of high-profile corruption cases involving government officials.
The PAP has been in power for over 60 years, and the election was seen as a test of its popularity. The landslide victory for Tharman is a sign that the PAP remains the dominant force in Singapore politics.
