Former senior minister secures 70.4% of the vote, marking a historic and decisive victory
In Singapore’s first contested presidential election in over a decade, Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerged victorious with an overwhelming 70.4% of the vote, securing 1,746,427 votes out of more than 2.48 million valid ballots cast. Tharman’s resounding win marked a significant milestone in the nation’s political history. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed confidence in Tharman’s ability to perform his presidential duties with distinction, praising his long and distinguished public service career.
The election saw a voter turnout with 1.98% of votes rejected, similar to the 2011 election. Tharman’s victory was predicted early in the evening with a sample count showing him holding 70% of the votes. Former GIC chief Ng Kok Song came in second with 15.72% of the vote, while former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian trailed behind with 13.88%. Following the announcement of the results, all candidates acknowledged Tharman’s victory and congratulated him on his decisive lead.
Tharman expressed gratitude for the strong endorsement from voters, describing the outcome as a vote of confidence in Singapore’s future. He outlined his vision for a united, optimistic Singapore where citizens show deep respect for one another, generations are confident in financial support from the nation’s reserves, and the country is taken seriously on the world stage.
Political analysts attribute Tharman’s victory to his broad popularity, with the result reflecting Singapore’s growing acceptance of minority candidates in high office. Tharman’s consistent messaging during the campaign, coupled with his extensive public service record, resonated deeply with voters. Meanwhile, Ng’s campaign, which primarily relied on social media, garnered a respectable vote share despite limited exposure.
This election marked a sharp contrast to the closely contested 2011 presidential race, where former president Tony Tan won by a narrow margin of just 7,269 votes. It also signified a shift in voter preferences, with Singaporeans seemingly less inclined to politicize the presidential election and more focused on choosing a candidate capable of representing the nation’s unity and future.
Tharman’s victory is expected to strengthen Singapore’s national cohesion, as the country looks forward to tackling challenges together in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
