Democracy News

Singapore Elects New President
September 6, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On August 26, Bloomberg reported that Singapore held its first presidential elections in 18 years. Four politicians competed for the executive office, including Tony Tan, a former deputy prime minister and the contender most closely associated with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Other candidates included Tan Kin Lian, who was a chief executive officer of insurer NTUC Income and a PAP member; Tan Cheng Bock a PAP lawmaker; and opposition politician Tan Jee Say, a former civil servant.  

On August 27, Reuters reported that the election would be subjected to a recount since the votes won by the top two candidates, Tony Tan and Tan Cheng Bock, were too close in margin. "The difference is not more than 2 percent of the total number of valid votes cast," the Elections Department said in a statement. On August 29, Tony Tan was declared Singapore’s newly elected President by the Singaporean Election Commission. According to the Singaporean Elections Department, the winner Tony Tan Keng Yam had 35.20 percent of the vote. Tan Cheng Bock was second with 34.85 percent, third was Tan Jee Say with 25.04 percent and Tan Kin Lian finished fourth with 4.91 percent of the vote.

Although the President of Singapore traditionally has a largely ceremonial role and mainly acts on the advice of the Cabinet, this year’s presidential race turned out to be unexpectedly competitive. The presidential poll was precedent by a heated campaign with calls for stronger checks on the PAP, the political party that has ruled Singapore since 1959. Of all four contenders, Tony Tan was the one with the closest ties to the PAP as he served as Minister of Education, Finance, and Defense, Bloomberg reported.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Tony Tan’s performance in the poll was perceived as a yardstick of voter discontent with the PAP government. The PAP remained in power despite a poor showing during last May’s general election with the worst result in decades, winning only 60 percent of the votes. Additionally, although the PAP did not officially endorse Tony Tan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong described him as a "unifying figure" that would bring honor and credit to Singapore.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, following the general election, Prime Minister Lee and the PAP pledged a more humble style of government, noting that Singapore’s electorate wanted more diversity. Tony Tan echoed those calls, stating that “We can cherish many voices in one Singapore.” However, Tan sought to quell all calls for a more independent presidency. “Policies are debated in Parliament and implemented by the government,” Tan said.

The President can veto government budgets and key public appointments. However, those decisions may be overturned by a majority on the eight-member Council of Presidential Advisers and a two-thirds vote in Parliament -- where the PAP still holds 81 of 87 seats.

For previous news on Singapore, please see:
Singapore’s Ruling Party Retains Power by Small Margin Following Parliamentary Election

Sources:
The Sydney Morning Herald – Tan's narrow election win loosens Lee's grip

Reuters – Singapore recounting votes in presidential election

Reuters – Singapore’s First Presidential Poll in 18 Years to Gauge Support for Lee

Wall Street Journal – Singapore's Preferred Candidate Barely Wins