Global Impact: popular and approachable Tharman Shanmugaratnam wins landslide victory in Singapore’s presidential election

Global Impact is a weekly curated newsletter featuring a news topic originating in China with a significant macro impact for our newsreaders around the world

In this issue, we look back at the result of the recent Singapore presidential elections that followed a series of political scandals for the ruling People’s Action Party

Reading Time:5 minutes

Published: 2:00pm, 11 Sep 2023

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Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s impressive capture of 70.4 per cent of votes in Singapore’s recent presidential election may have surprised some, but few doubted his eventual victory.

Known for his popularity, esteemed standing among global elites, and approachable demeanour, Tharman was often seen as the ruling People’s Action Party’s (PAP) “nuclear option” to secure a favourable outcome.

Even in Singapore, where the PAP has maintained its rule for more than six decades, Tharman’s track record as an MP consistently winning general elections with 60 to 70 per cent of the vote share was rare and cemented his prominent status in the country’s political landscape.

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Singapore's presidential hopeful Tharman on how he sees the role of an independent president

While the strict eligibility criteria for the presidency excluded potential candidates who could have made the September 1 election more competitive, it became clear that disqualified hopeful George Goh, as well as qualified candidates Tan Kin Lian and Ng Kok Song, faced insurmountable odds against Tharman.

The contest for the apolitical presidency has always been viewed as a proxy test of support for the PAP, particularly in the wake of the party’s internal scandals.