Shanmugaratnam, formally launched his presidential campaign in the previous month, vowing to steer Singapore’s culture towards maintaining its esteemed global standing
Former Singaporean Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, of Indian origin, has taken a significant step towards participating in the upcoming presidential election by submitting his application for a certificate of eligibility on August 7. This move comes after he formally launched his presidential campaign in the previous month, vowing to steer Singapore’s culture towards maintaining its esteemed global standing.
Scheduled for September, the 2023 presidential election will mark the conclusion of President Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure, which culminates on September 13.
Tharman’s submission for the certificate of eligibility was reported by The Straits Times. Joining him in this endeavor are three other potential contenders of Chinese descent, each of whom has made their own submissions.
Ng Kok Song, the former investment chief of GIC, disclosed that he submitted his forms on August 2 through the public sector deliberative track to establish his eligibility. Similarly, entrepreneur George Goh, aged 63, entered the fray by submitting his eligibility form on August 4.
Another contender, Tan Kin Lian, who had previously participated in a presidential election, conveyed that he has submitted his application for the eligibility certificate. However, he remains undecided about whether he will formally contest in the forthcoming election, according to The Straits Times.
Tharman, who concluded his 22-year political career in June, emphasized during his campaign launch the importance of evaluating candidates based on their accomplishments rather than solely relying on their past affiliations.
Singapore is preparing for its first presidential election since 2011, following President Halimah’s announcement on May 29 that she would not seek re-election for a second term. Notably, Halimah Yacob is both the eighth president and the first female to hold the position in Singapore’s history, with her term set to conclude on September 13 of this year
The standards for presidential candidates in Singapore are notably rigorous. According to the provisions in Singapore’s Constitution, public sector presidential hopefuls must have held esteemed positions such as minister, chief justice, or attorney-general for a minimum of three years.
Meanwhile, private sector candidates must demonstrate a leadership tenure of at least three years as CEOs of companies with an average shareholders’ equity of SGD 500 million.
Before entering politics in 2001, Tharman, an economist and civil servant, had served predominantly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. During his political career, he held significant roles including Minister for Education and Finance, as well as Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019. Furthermore, he occupied key positions within international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations.
Singapore is preparing for its first presidential election since 2011, following President Halimah’s announcement on May 29 that she would not seek re-election for a second term. Notably, Halimah Yacob is both the eighth president and the first female to hold the position in Singapore’s history, with her term set to conclude on September 13 of this year.
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