KUALA LUMPUR – Singaporeans are heading to the ballot box today to take part in the first contested presidential election in more than a decade.
Since yesterday, election officials have been setting up polling stations across the island republic for some 2.7 million voters to make their pick. This comes after nine days of campaigning and a day to cool off, reported The Straits Times.
The three men in the running are – former chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, 75; former minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66; and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, 75.
During their campaigning, they were usually accompanied by their wives as the candidates made speeches, shook hands, and took photos.
As this is the third presidential election since it was introduced in 1991, many Singaporeans will be voting for the first time, which saw the candidates try to engage with the youth during the campaign period.
For example, they went on podcast shows, live-streamed on social media, and engaged with influencers.
According to Singaporean law, the president has more of a ceremonial role, but has custodial powers over the use of the country’s reserves and the appointment of senior officials.
The president is the head of state and holds office for a term of six years, according to the website of the Elections Department of Singapore (ELD).
Outgoing president Halimah Yacob has been serving as the eighth president of Singapore since 2017.
In May this year, Halimah, Singapore’s first female president, said she would not seek re-election when her term ends on September 13.
Singaporeans are expected to know the polling results by 11pm today, as an official sample count will be made public about three hours after polls close at 8pm. – September 1, 2023