Singapore: Presidential election to take place Sept. 1

Event

Singapore will hold a presidential election on Sept. 1; more than 2.7 million people will go to the polls to elect the country's president. The government has declared Sept. 1 as a public holiday. Campaigning will occur through Aug. 30; most events have occurred on mainstream and social media. Officials have discouraged candidates from holding in-person rallies and have not designated any rally sites for the presidential election. Authorities will probably release the official results of the vote during the evening of Sept. 1.

Authorities may bolster security around polling sites as a precaution; however, any disruptions are likely to be minimal. Government office and business closures are likely Sept. 1 due to the public holiday.

Context

The sixth elected presidential election in Singapore will be the third one contested by multiple candidates. Incumbent president Halimah Yacob, who was elected unopposed in 2017, will not seek re-election. Competing for the non-partisan position in the election are the candidates Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ng Kok Song, and Tan Kin Lian, all of whom are either independent or former members of political parties from which they have resigned.

Advice

Confirm all official and business appointments Sept. 1. Heed the instructions of officials.