Presidential elections in Singapore: Whither the ‘integrity, good character and reputation’ requirement?

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-2026

Abstract

A person who wishes to run in a Presidential election in Singapore must, among other things, first satisfy the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) that he/she is a ‘person of integrity, good character and reputation’. Mr Tan Kin Lian’s bid for the Presidency in 2023 – which was coloured by questionable social media posts he had previously made – has rejuvenated debates about this requirement, and raised questions about the PEC’s precise role in conducting background research on candidates, the precise meaning of ‘integrity, good character and reputation’, and the inferences that a voter can properly draw from the fact that a candidate has received a Certificate of Eligibility from the PEC. This note chronicles this incident, unpacks the issues just mentioned, and suggests possible reforms to the law.

Keywords

Singapore, Presidential election, character, Tan Kin Lian, President

Discipline

Asian Studies | Constitutional Law | Political Science

Research Areas

Asian and Comparative Legal Systems; Public Law

Publication

Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal

ISSN

1472-9342

Identifier

10.1080/14729342.2026.2728857

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/14729342.2026.2728857

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