Singapore Presidential Election to be held on Sep 1, Nomination Day on Aug 22

SINGAPORE: Polling Day for Singapore's Presidential Election will be on Friday, Sep 1, if more than one candidate qualifies to run for the post.

Nomination Day is set for Aug 22.

The dates were announced by the Elections Department on Friday (Aug 11) after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued the writ of election.

As of Friday, four people have declared their intention to run.

Former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the first to throw his hat into the ring when he announced his bid on Jun 8, followed by businessman George Goh and former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song. Former presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian officially launched his campaign on Aug 11.

Mr Tan said at the official launch of his bid, which took place before the writ of election was issued, that he wanted to offer Singaporeans a chance to vote for someone "outside the establishment".

Mr Ng called the issuance of the writ of election an important milestone. He said: "It reminds us that the institution of the elected President is anchored in the Constitution of Singapore and all our efforts should reflect the honour of the office."

Shortly after, Mr Goh's team said they hoped a decision on the eligibility of candidates would be made "sooner rather than close to the deadline" to allow candidates time to prepare properly for the campaign.

Mr Tharman said after an event at LASALLE College of the Arts that he strongly favours a contest and would "welcome any number of corners" in the presidential contest.

Applications to run in the Presidential Election opened on Jun 13.

To be nominated as a candidate, the person must deliver his nomination paper, along with the Certificate of Eligibility, the Community Certificate and the Political Donation Certificate.

Applications for the Certificate of Eligibility and the Community Certificate will close on Aug 17.

Each candidate must pay a deposit of S$40,500. This can be done before Nomination Day.

Nomination proceedings will take place at the People's Association auditorium at King George's Avenue between 11am and 12pm on Aug 22.

The returning officer is Mr Tan Meng Dui, chief executive officer of the Housing and Development Board.

If there is a contest, Polling Day on Sep 1 will be a public holiday.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that a few people have already made known their intention to run for the presidency.

"The President represents all Singaporeans, and stands as a symbol of our unity and aspirations. Listen to what each candidate has to say, and assess them and their views carefully," wrote Mr Lee.

"I hope everyone will vote wisely for the best candidate for this important role."