Singapore’s 2023 presidential election: The presidency continues to evolve

Publication Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

6-2024

Abstract

Singapore’s 2023 presidential election, in which Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected President, saw debates about the Presidency’s nature and future directions continue—perhaps more intensely than ever before. Important issues that arose included the qualifying criteria which one must meet to contest in a presidential election, including relevant experience and “integrity, good character and reputation”; and the concept of “independence” and how it relates to the Presidency; the extent of, and limits to, the President’s role. This chapter discusses those issues; highlights certain more granular issues relating to the polling process; and comments on the result of the election. Finally, the chapter discusses an amendment to the Constitution, made shortly after President Tharman’s inauguration, relating to the President’s ability to participate in international organizations in his private capacity. This amendment, like several before it, and like the debates surrounding the 2023 election, demonstrates that Singapore’s elected Presidency, like other state institutions, is always evolving to meet new challenges and better meet old ones.

Discipline

Asian Studies | Election Law

Research Areas

Asian and Comparative Legal Systems

Areas of Excellence

Growth in Asia

Publication

Southeast Asian Affairs 2024

Editor

SINGH, Daljit; HA, Hoang Thi

ISBN

9789815203509

Publisher

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

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