In a historic turn of events, Tharman Shanmugaratnam has emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election in Singapore, securing a staggering 70.4 per cent of the votes. This resounding mandate from the people of Singapore has paved the way for him to become the ninth president of this dynamic nation. This article delves into the details of this significant political triumph and the implications it holds for Singapore’s future.
A Landslide Victory
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s victory was nothing short of a landslide. With a remarkable 70.4 per cent of the votes, he not only secured the majority but also garnered widespread support from the electorate. This substantial mandate underscores the trust and confidence that the citizens of Singapore have placed in him.
The Competitors
In the race for the presidency, Tharman Shanmugaratnam faced two formidable opponents, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian. While they put up a spirited fight, they were unable to match the overwhelming support enjoyed by Tharman. Ng Kok Song secured 15.72 per cent of the votes, and Tan Kin Lian trailed with 13.88 per cent. Notably, there were 50,152 spoilt votes, indicating the intense interest and engagement of the electorate in this election.
4D Numbers Sold Out

The significance of Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s victory was further highlighted when, within just five minutes of the official election results being announced, Singapore Pools reported that the 4D numbers 7040 and 1388 had sold out for the Saturday, Sep. 2 draw. These numbers corresponded to Tharman’s and Tan Kin Lian’s respective vote shares.
Why Do 4D Numbers Sell Out?
Singapore Pools, the entity responsible for managing various forms of legal gambling in Singapore, is known to restrict the total amount of bets wagered on particular numbers as a way to mitigate its potential downside in the event those numbers appear as winning numbers. This practice aims to maintain the financial stability of the organization and prevent excessive payouts.
Common Occurrence
The rapid sell-out of 4D numbers following significant events or elections is a common phenomenon in Singapore. The allure of placing bets on numbers associated with prominent figures or events often leads to a surge in demand. In this case, the numbers 7040 and 1388, symbolizing Tharman’s and Tan Kin Lian’s vote shares, became sought-after choices among hopeful punters.