Former Singapore Ruling Party Member Wins Landslide Victory in Presidential Election
A former member of Singapore’s ruling party achieved a decisive victory in the city-state’s presidential election. The election is considered a gauge of public sentiment in the face of economic challenges and high-profile scandals.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former deputy prime minister, secured 70.4% of the votes, according to the elections department. This victory makes him Singapore’s head of state, while Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong remains the head of government.
Political analysts interpret this overwhelming win as an indication that Singaporeans generally trust the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), with Tharman being seen as closely aligned with the establishment.
Public Trust in the People’s Action Party
“This election result demonstrates that the PAP remains a trusted brand as long as the candidate presented is credible. Tharman is as credible as it gets,” remarked political scientist Walid Jumblatt Abdullah of Nanyang Technological University.
Tharman, who has enjoyed popularity and electoral success as a PAP member, including a record-breaking victory in the 2020 general election, resigned from the party earlier this year and emphasized his independence during his presidential campaign.
While Singapore is typically known for its stable and corruption-free politics, recent high-profile scandals and rising living costs have frustrated voters.
The Role of the President in Singapore
In Singapore, the role of the president is largely ceremonial. However, the office is expected to provide checks and balances on the government.
The president has the authority over the country’s substantial but undisclosed reserves and possesses veto powers over budgets and transactions that may draw on those reserves. Nevertheless, consultation with the Council of Presidential Advisers is required.
The president also holds the power to veto the appointment or removal of key public officials and can direct the anti-graft bureau to investigate cases, even if the prime minister disagrees.
This election marks Singapore’s third presidential election since a 1991 act granted the public the right to choose. Tharman will be the country’s ninth president overall.
Prime Minister Lee congratulated Tharman in a statement, assuring him of his government’s full cooperation. Tharman has also expressed his intention to work closely with the government.