Tharman Shanmugaratnam elected Singapore’s ninth President with landslide victory

SINGAPORE: In a historic moment for the nation, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former senior minister of the People’s Action Party, has emerged victorious in the 2023 Presidential Election, securing a resounding mandate to become Singapore’s ninth president.

The Election Department (ELD) unveiled the final election results, declaring Mr. Tharman the clear winner with an impressive 70.40% of the votes cast by Singaporean citizens.

Out of the 2,480,760 votes cast, Mr Tharman garnered a total of 1,746,427 votes, solidifying his position as the new head of state.

The 66-year-old’s remarkable victory was announced by Returning Officer Tan Meng Dui, chief executive of the Housing Board, in the early hours of Saturday (2 Sept), around 12.22 a.m.

Mr Tharman’s fellow contenders, Mr Ng Kok Song, the former GIC investment chief, received 15.72% (390,041 votes), while Mr Tan Kin Lian, the former NTUC Income chief, secured 13.88 % (344,292 votes).

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued a statement extending his congratulations to Mr Tharman on his election victory.

“Mr Tharman has a long and distinguished record of public service. I have every confidence that he will carry out his duties as President with distinction,” he said in a statement.

Mr Lee emphasized the government’s commitment to offering full cooperation to President-elect Tharman, who, in turn, has affirmed his intention to collaborate closely with the government.

“As Head of State, the President has to be a unifying figure that all Singaporeans can look up to and identify with. He must exercise his custodial powers under the Constitution wisely, bringing to bear his experience and independent judgment. Internationally, representing Singapore, he must fly our flag high.”

In his statement, Prime Minister Lee expressed gratitude to all three presidential candidates for participating in this crucial election, highlighting the significance of Singaporeans exercising their right to vote for their next President.

“I am happy that Singaporeans have been able to exercise the right to vote for our next President, and to focus on what the elected President is about. ”

“In this election, both voters and candidates have shown a greater understanding of the roles and duties of the President, which bodes well for Singapore,” PM Lee said.