Singapore President-elect Tharman Shanmugaratnam is set to be officially inaugurated as the 9th President of Singapore on Thursday 14 September at the Istana, according to the Prime Minister’s Office earlier today (2 September).
The former Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (2011 to 2023), former Deputy Prime Minister (2011 to 2019) and former Minister of Finance (2007 to 2015) claimed a landslide victory in the presidential elections, garnering 1,746,427 or 70.4% of the votes, compared to runner-up ex-GIC Chief Investment Officer Ng Kok Song’s 390,041 or 15.72% of the votes.
Former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian finished in last place with 344,292 or 13.88% of the votes.
A Victory by Landslide
Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s victory can be aptly described as a landslide. His 70.40% vote share is not only impressive; it’s also the largest ever recorded in a presidential election in this nation’s history. But what does this landslide victory mean, and how did he manage to secure such a substantial portion of the votes?
Factors Behind the Landslide Win
Several factors contributed to Mr. Tharman’s overwhelming support:
1. Strong Leadership: Mr. Tharman’s reputation as a capable and experienced leader resonated with voters. His track record in various government roles showcased his commitment to public service.
2. Economic Expertise: As a seasoned economist, Mr. Tharman’s economic policies and insights struck a chord with citizens concerned about the nation’s financial stability and prosperity.
3. Unity and Inclusivity: He ran a campaign that emphasized unity and inclusivity, appealing to a broad spectrum of voters from different backgrounds and beliefs.
4. Effective Communication: Mr. Tharman’s ability to communicate his vision and policies clearly and persuasively set him apart from his competitors.
Implications for the Nation
The scale of Mr. Tharman’s victory carries significant implications for the nation. It sends a clear message about the direction that voters want the country to take. His mandate is substantial, and the expectations on his shoulders are equally weighty.