Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Tan Kin Lian confirmed as candidates for presidential election
Singapore’s presidential election on September 1, 2023, will see a three-way contest for the country’s ninth president. The confirmed candidates are Ng Kok Song, former chief investment officer of GIC, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, former senior minister, and Tan Kin Lian, former CEO of NTUC Income. Their candidacy was finalized after they submitted their papers on August 22, 2023, with the nomination proceedings going smoothly and no objections raised.
During their confirmation speeches, each candidate outlined their reasons for entering the race. Ng Kok Song expressed his commitment to protecting Singapore’s “national treasures,” including its reserves, public administration, and social stability. He emphasized his non-affiliation with any political party, positioning himself as someone capable of uniting Singaporeans.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam spoke about the challenges Singapore faces in the coming years, highlighting his decades of experience both domestically and internationally. He promised to serve the people with full dedication if elected, stressing the importance of a campaign that unites the country.
Tan Kin Lian, for his part, emphasized his goal to provide Singaporeans with the opportunity to elect a president independent of the ruling government. He vowed to carry out his presidential duties diligently and honestly if elected.
The three candidates also submitted their personal symbols for the election, which will appear on the ballot paper. Ng’s symbol is an open hand with a heart in its palm, representing unity; Tharman’s symbol is a pineapple, symbolizing good luck; and Tan’s symbol is a depiction of four people holding up a flower, signifying hope for a better future.
All three candidates signed a voluntary agreement to run their campaigns with dignity, in line with the values of the presidential office as the nation’s symbol of unity. The election is set to be the first contested presidential race in over a decade.
