The Elections Department (ELD) of Singapore has officially announced the qualified candidates for the upcoming Presidential Election. Former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian, and former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam have successfully met the eligibility criteria and are now candidates for the presidency, as announced today (18).
However, businessman George Goh’s application for a Certificate of Eligibility was unsuccessful, although his name was not disclosed in the ELD’s news release.
The Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications for the Certificate of Eligibility by the deadline, which was Thursday. The committee, comprised of six members including Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and two Supreme Court judges, determined that Ng, Tan, and Tharman possess the required qualities of “integrity, good character, and reputation.”
Each candidate followed a specific track in their application: Ng applied under the public sector deliberative track, Tan under the private sector deliberative track, and Tharman under the public sector service track.
Ng Kok Song:
Ng Kok Song demonstrated a wealth of experience and ability comparable to someone who has served for three or more years as the chief executive of a Fifth Schedule entity. With a career spanning 45 years in public service, Ng worked in the Finance Ministry and the Monetary Authority of Singapore before becoming the chief investment officer at Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC.
Tan Kin Lian:
Tan Kin Lian’s qualifications matched those of an individual who has served as the chief executive of a company with a shareholders’ equity of at least S$500 million. His three-decade tenure as the CEO of NTUC Income until 2007, followed by his engagement in various ventures including a computer software business and insurance consultancy, showcased his capabilities.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam:
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s candidacy was grounded in his public sector service requirements, having held ministerial office for at least three years. With a background as an economist and civil servant, he transitioned into politics in 2001 and held significant positions including Minister for Education, Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister.
The next phase for Ng, Tan, and Tharman involves nomination as official candidates. On August 22, Nomination Day, they will submit their nomination papers along with the necessary certificates.
Despite ELD informing unsuccessful applicants of the PEC’s decision and reasons, these details will not be made public to prevent potential candidates from being discouraged due to embarrassment.
The election is scheduled for September 1, and if multiple candidates are nominated, Singaporeans will vote on that day. The campaign period for qualified candidates will span from the announcement of a contested election until the day before Polling Day.
-CNA-
