Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has issued a statement after Tharman Shanmugaratnam won the 2023 Presidential Election with a whopping 70.4% of the votes, clinching the presidency over fellow candidates Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian who finished with 15.7% and 13.9% of the votes respectively.

PM Lee congratulated Tharman on his victory and said that he has every confidence that the latter will carry out his presidential duties with distinction.

He also assured Tharman that he will have the full cooperation of the government.

PM Lee’s statement

Singaporeans have chosen Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam to be our next President by a decisive margin. As Head of State, he will represent us at home and abroad, and exercise custodial powers, including over the reserves and key appointments.

I thank the three candidates for putting themselves forward in this Presidential election. I am happy that Singaporeans have been able to exercise the right to vote for our next President, and to focus on what the elected President is about. In this election, both voters and candidates have shown a greater understanding of the roles and duties of the President, which bodes well for Singapore.

Mr Tharman has a long and distinguished record of public service. I have every confidence that he will carry out his duties as President with distinction.

I have called Mr Tharman to congratulate him on his election, and to assure him of my Government’s full cooperation. Mr Tharman has also declared his intention to work closely with the Government.

As Head of State, the President has to be a unifying figure that all Singaporeans can look up to and identify with. He must exercise his custodial powers under the Constitution wisely, bringing to bear his experience and independent judgement. Internationally, representing Singapore, he must fly our flag high.

I thank the election officials for their hard work that has ensured a smooth and successful Presidential election. I also wish to thank all voters, both here and abroad, for doing our civic duty.

Now that the election is over, let us come together again as Singaporeans, to tackle the challenges ahead and build a stronger and more united nation. – LHL

Tharman’ statement after becoming president

My Fellow Singaporeans,

I am truly humbled by the strong endorsement you have given me in our nation’s Presidential Election.

My fellow candidates put full effort and energy into their campaigns, and made this a worthy contest. I thank and commend them.

Above all I thank my fellow Singaporeans, whichever way you voted, for your interest and calm engagement in the issues raised in the Election.

I believe the vote for me and what I stood for is a vote of confidence in Singapore itself, a vote of optimism in how we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans.

It can, and must, be a future of deeper respect for each other, regardless of backgrounds and educational achievements. A future of closer interactions between our different faiths and cultures, so that we deepen our multicultural identity. A future of solidarity even as we hold to diverse views, which is natural in our democracy.

A future where every generation derives confidence and benefit from our national reserves, and feels fortunate that we are Singaporeans.

A future where Singapore continues to be a partner of choice internationally, and is able to project its voice of reason in an endangered world.

It will be my duty to use the roles and responsibilities of the President to help us advance this future of optimism and solidarity.

I will honour your trust in me, and serve you with all my heart in the years to come.

Majulah Singapura!

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

In a historic presidential election that garnered significant attention and debate, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerged as the clear winner, securing a staggering 70.40% of the votes. This victory, with 1,746,427 votes to his name, was not just impressive; it was a landslide triumph that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. In this article, we will delve into the details of Mr. Tharman’s remarkable win, analyze the voting percentages of his opponents, and explore the broader implications of this election.

Understanding the Numbers

Let’s start by breaking down the numbers:

1. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam: 70.40% (1,746,427 votes)
2. Mr. Ng Kok Song: 15.72% (390,041 votes)
3. Mr. Tan Kin Lian: 13.88% (344,292 votes)

These figures represent the percentage of votes each candidate received from a total of 2,480,760 votes cast. However, it’s not just about the winners and losers. The margin of victory is equally crucial in understanding the significance of Mr. Tharman’s achievement.

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.

Sample count results:
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: 70%
Mr Ng Kok Song: 16%
Mr Tan Kin Lian: 14%

The anticipation is palpable in Singapore as the nation awaits the outcome of its presidential election. While the final verdict may not be in until the stroke of midnight, Singaporeans will get an early indication of the results between 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm. This early peek into the election results is made possible through an official sample count, a practice introduced to enhance transparency and minimize speculation. In this article, we will delve into the significance of this sample count, its execution, and its accuracy.

The Introduction of a Sample Count

The Elections Department (ELD) has taken a proactive step by introducing the concept of a sample count in the presidential election. This innovative approach is designed to serve several crucial purposes:

1. Preventing Speculation and Misinformation

Speculation and misinformation can run rampant during the counting process, especially in a closely contested election. To counter this, the ELD website publishes a sample count result while the full counting is still underway. This preemptive measure helps quell any unofficial sources attempting to influence the narrative.

2. Ensuring Accuracy

The official election results may take several hours to confirm, particularly in tightly contested races. Sample counts serve as a reliable benchmark for election officials to cross-verify against the final tally, ensuring accuracy in the results.

The Mechanics of a Sample Count

Understanding how a sample count is executed sheds light on its reliability. Here’s how the process unfolds:

1. Random Selection of Ballots

At the counting center, a counting assistant randomly selects a bundle of 100 ballot papers from the votes cast at a polling station. This selection is performed in the presence of candidates and counting agents, ensuring transparency.

2. Weighted Tally

Votes for each candidate in the selected bundle are tallied. However, to account for variations in the number of votes at different polling stations, a weighting system is applied. This means that bundles from polling stations with higher voter turnout carry more significance in the sample count.

3. Excluding Spoilt Votes and Nursing Homes

The sample count considers only valid votes, excluding any spoilt votes. Additionally, votes cast at nursing homes, a new inclusion in the 2023 Presidential Election to facilitate elderly residents’ voting, are not included due to the relatively small number of voters in these institutions.

The Accuracy of Sample Counts

Ensuring the accuracy of sample counts is paramount. Singapore’s sample count process boasts a 95% confidence rate, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. This means that the sample count estimate should not deviate from the actual voting result by more than 4% for 95% of the estimates made.

A retrospective analysis of the 2020 General Election revealed that, out of 31 constituencies, most sample count results had a difference within 2 percentage points of the official results. Only seven single-member constituencies had a larger difference, ranging from just over 2 percentage points to 5 percentage points. Among these, Punggol West, Pioneer, and Kebun Baru exceeded the 4 percentage point margin of error by a small margin.

In the 2015 General Election, all sample count figures closely aligned with the official results for each constituency, with the exception of MacPherson SMC, which had a difference of approximately 2.6 percentage points.

Conclusion

Singapore’s utilization of sample counts in its presidential election process is a commendable move towards transparency, accuracy, and the prevention of undue speculation. This practice not only provides an early indication of the election outcome but also serves as a valuable tool for election officials to validate the final results. As Singaporeans eagerly await the 2023 Presidential Election, they can take comfort in knowing that the electoral process is designed to be fair, accurate, and accountable.

In a recent legal development that garnered significant attention, the High Court has rejected lawyer M Ravi’s application to disqualify presidential candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam from the upcoming presidential election in Singapore. This decision came on August 30, just a day after Ravi submitted his application. The court’s verdict also included an order for Ravi to pay costs totaling S$6,000 to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Ravi, known for his legal activism and outspoken views, shared his journey to the Supreme Court in a Facebook video before the hearing. He mentioned that he was accompanied by Iris Koh, the founder of Healing the Divide, an organization that promotes reconciliation and unity.

It’s worth noting that Ravi’s legal career has faced its own challenges. Earlier in the year, the 53-year-old lawyer received a five-year suspension for professional misconduct.

The incident

The core of Ravi’s application against Tharman centered on alleged breaches of the Constitution. On August 29, he took to Facebook to explain his filing, asserting that Tharman Shanmugaratnam had violated several articles of the Constitution, including Article 19. This article concerns the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates and disallows individuals with criminal convictions from running for the presidency.

Ravi pointed out that Tharman had previously been fined for “disclosing state secrets,” a reference to Tharman’s 1994 conviction under the Official Secrets Act (OSA). This conviction was related to his negligence in allowing sensitive government information to be communicated to the media. According to Article 45(1)(e) of the Constitution, a person who has been convicted of an offense by a court of law in Singapore or Malaysia, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year, or fined not less than S$10,000 without receiving a free pardon, cannot contest in a general election or become a Member of Parliament.

Ravi further invoked Article 27, which pertains to the oath of allegiance to Singapore. He argued that Tharman had not renounced his international appointments, particularly referring to Tharman’s role on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) board of trustees.

Ravi documented his legal journey by sharing photos of his filings on Facebook, keeping his followers updated on the progress of his application.

This legal dispute adds an interesting layer of complexity to the upcoming presidential election in Singapore, prompting discussions about the eligibility criteria for candidates and the boundaries of constitutional interpretation. The court’s decision to dismiss Ravi’s application means that Tharman Shanmugaratnam remains a candidate in the presidential race, subject to the scrutiny and choice of the electorate.

Top image via M Ravi/Facebook

In recent news, a 38-year-old man has been arrested by the police for his suspected involvement in a Geylang mugging case that occurred late in the night. This incident sheds light on the importance of safety and vigilance, especially in areas that may be susceptible to such crimes.

The Incident Unfolds

Location: Lorong 41 Geylang

The incident in question took place at the back lane of Lorong 41 Geylang. It was on the night of August 31st, at precisely 11:54 PM when the incident occurred. The serene atmosphere of the neighborhood was disrupted by a sudden act of violence and robbery.

Robbery with Hurt

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) received an alert regarding a case of robbery with hurt. Preliminary investigations revealed that the 38-year-old suspect had allegedly assaulted another man and forcefully deprived him of various belongings. These stolen items included cash, a mobile phone, and a phone cover, which contained the victim’s essential documents, such as his work permit and ez-link card.

Swift Police Response

Bedok Police Division Takes Action

Upon receiving the report, officers from the Bedok Police Division swiftly sprang into action. They understood the urgency of the situation and the need to bring the suspect to justice promptly.

Arrest Within 12 Hours

What stands out in this case is the remarkable efficiency of the police force. Within a mere 12 hours of receiving the report, they not only identified the suspect but also apprehended him. Such rapid response times play a pivotal role in maintaining public trust and safety.

Recovery of Stolen Items

While some of the stolen items were recovered, cash remained unaccounted for. Nonetheless, the recovery of other belongings ensures that the victim can reclaim his possessions and identity.

Legal Consequences

Court Date: September 2

The 38-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in court on September 2. He will be facing charges related to the offence of robbery with hurt. This is a serious crime, and the legal system will determine his fate in the coming days.

Potential Penalties

If found guilty, the suspect could face imprisonment ranging from five to twenty years. In addition to incarceration, he may also be subjected to a minimum of twelve strokes of the cane. These penalties underscore the gravity of such criminal acts.