Key Candidates Announced for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election
Singapore’s Presidential Election will take place on September 1, 2023, if more than one candidate qualifies to run for the highest office in the country. The date was officially announced by the Elections Department after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued the Writ of Election on August 11. Nomination Day is set for August 22, and if there are multiple candidates, Polling Day will be declared a public holiday.
To date, four individuals have declared their intention to contest for the presidency. These include former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam (66), businessman George Goh (63), former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song (75), and former CEO of NTUC Income Tan Kin Lian (75). Each of the candidates has submitted their papers to run for the role, with Tan having done so in July, while Goh and Ng submitted theirs in the past week. Tharman officially launched his candidacy on July 26.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged Singaporeans to carefully consider the views of each candidate and make an informed decision when casting their votes, emphasizing that the President represents all Singaporeans and stands as a symbol of unity and national aspirations.
Several public figures have expressed their support for the candidates. Tharman has garnered backing from Banyan Tree founder Ho Kwon Ping and film director Royston Tan. Goh’s supporters include business leaders and athletes such as Matthew Fong Kum Fai and wheelchair basketball player Jack Lai. Although Ng has not yet revealed his team of supporters, former foreign minister George Yeo has stated his willingness to act as one of Ng’s character references.
Tan Kin Lian, in his second presidential bid, is supported by former political rival Tan Jee Say and opposition leader Lim Tean. Tan emphasized that, if elected, he would focus on the President’s key duties of safeguarding national reserves and protecting the integrity of the public service.
