World
Tharman Shanmugaratnam Of Indian Origin Wins Singapore Presidential Election; Secures 70.4 Per Cent Votes
Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an economist of Indian Tamil origin has been elected as the President of Singapore. The two other contestants, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian are of Chinese origin.
While Shanmugaratnam received 70.4 per cent of the votes, Song and Lian received 15.7 and 13.88 per cent votes respectively. Around 2.7 million people casted their votes.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Shanmugaratnam said, "I’m humbled by this vote - it is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore’s future, a future of optimism and solidarity. That’s what it really is. My campaign was one of optimism and solidarity, and I believe that’s what Singaporeans want,"
Congratulating Shanmugaratnam on his victory, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a message posted on X stated, “Singaporeans have chosen Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam to be our next president by a decisive margin. As head of state, he will represent us at home and abroad, and exercise custodial powers, including over the reserves and key appointments."
"I thank the three candidates for putting themselves forward in this presidential election. 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."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shanmugaratnam on his victory and said that he looked forward to working with him closely on the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.
Before contesting for President, Shanmugaratnam had served in the government in various capacities and had been the country's Deputy Prime Minister between 2011 and 2019. He was a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
The term of the current President, Madam Halimah Yacob ends on 13 September.
The President is the head of state of Singapore and has limited powers.
Prior to Shanmugratnam, there have been two Presidents of Indian origin in Singapore. SR Nathan of Tamil origin served as President from 1999 till 2011. Before him, Devan Nair of Malayali origin was President from 1981 to 1985.
