Singapore: Upcoming presidential elections September 23

Event

On Monday, August 28, the Elections Department announced that Singapore will hold presidential elections on Saturday, September 23. 

At least three people have expressed their interest in presenting themselves as presidential candidates, and eligible candidates will be announced on Wednesday, September 13. If more than one candidate qualifies to run for the position, September 23 will be declared a national holiday to allow citizens to vote. If a national holiday is declared, it will likely disrupt regular business and government operations.

Current President Tony Tan Keng Yam will leave office on August 31, after which the Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers will be acting as interim president.

Context

The President acts as Head of State in Singapore, where his position is largely ceremonial.

Presidential elections are based on a hiatus-triggered model in Singapore. The model ensures that presidential elections are reserved to candidates belonging to a minority race, which has not been represented in the office for five consecutive terms. As such, the 2017 elections will be open to Malay candidates only.

Advice

Individuals in Singapore are advised to monitor the situation and avoid political gatherings.