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2011 Singaporean presidential election

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Singaporean presidential election, 2011
← 2005 By 30 August 2011 Next →
  File:Dr-tan-cheng-bock-smiling.jpg
Nominee Tan Cheng Bock Tan Kin Lian Tony Tan Keng Yam
Party Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Nonpartisan
President before election

S.R. Nathan
Nonpartisan

Elected President

TBD

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The Singapore presidential election of 2011 must be held before August 31, 2011. Incumbent President S.R. Nathan was eligible for re-election as there are no term limits but declined to seek re-election.[1] His term of office will expire on August 31, 2011.

Should all the declared candidates in this election be deemed eligible by the Singaporean Election Department, this would be the first contested election since the 1993 election, and the first multi-candidate presidential race in Singaporean history.

Background

Main article: President of Singapore

The President of Singapore is the head of state of Singapore. Following the Westminster system, the position is largely ceremonial, but enjoys several reserve powers including withholding presidential assent on supply bills and changing or revoking civil service appointments.[2][3] The current system of holding elections for the Presidency began with the 1993 election. Before then, the President was selected by Parliament.

The Presidency is, by the rules of the constitution, nonpartisan, but many former Presidents, along with past candidates for the Presidency, have connections with the People's Action Party at some point in their lives. In this race, all three candidates were PAP members before deciding to run.

Parliamentary reform

On 11 March 2010, the Government tabled three bills in the parliament to amend the Constitution, the Presidential Elections Act and the Parliamentary Elections Act.[4] A one-day "cooling-off" day was implemented, during which campaigning was forbidden, with only party political broadcasts allowed. Internet campaigning was also formally legalized as a legitimate means of political campaigning.[4] On 26 April 2010, the amendments to the Constitution were passed by a vote of 74–1 after a three-hour debate on the bill.[5]

Candidates

Declared

File:Dr-tan-cheng-bock-smiling.jpg
Tan Cheng Bock was one of the first candidates to declare his candidacy.
  • Former People's Action Party MP, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, who represented the Ayer Rajah SMC from 1980 to 2006, has declared his intention to contest in the upcoming presidential election on 27 May 2011.[6]
  • Former NTUC Income CEO and former PAP Branch Secretary for Marine Parade Tan Kin Lian said on 3 June 2011 that he may stand for President, but will only confirm at a later date.[7] He later confirmed that he would be running on 7 June 2011. [8]He announced he would be submitting the eligibility forms on 7 July.[9]
  • Former Deputy Prime Minister and Executive Director of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Tony Tan Keng Yam officially declared his candidacy on 23 June 2011, after speculations that he would run. Tan also announced that he will resign from his posts at the GIC and Singapore Press Holdings to alleviate concerns over conflict of interest.[10] He submitted his presidential eligibility forms on 7 July. "Dr Tony Tan files presidential eligibility forms". The Straits Times. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2011.</ref>

Prospective

Current President S.R Nathan was eligible for another term, but he announced that he would not run for reelection.
  • Former Aljunied GRC MP Zainul Abidin bin Mohamed Rasheed declined to announce a candidacy on 29 May, but did not categorically rule out a run, saying that he wants to take a break before making any decisions.[11]
  • Former food stall owner Mohamed Raffi Bashir Ahmed collected eligibility forms at the Election Department headquarter on 9 June. Mohamed is currently under investigation by local law enforcement authorities for disorderly conduct.[12]
  • Former leader of the People's Liberal Democratic Party and perennial seeker, Ooi Boon Ewe, announced his bid for the presidency on 1 June 2011. However, it is not known if Ooi will be eligible, since he asked the election department to waive one of the eligibility requirements for him.[13]
  • Channel NewsAsia received word on 9 June that Andrew Kuan, who attempted to run for the Presidency in 2005 before being controversially disqualified, will collect eligibility forms before the closing date for nominations. Nominations close three days after a writ of election is issued.[12]

Ineligible or Declined

Despite being considered as a frontrunner early on, George Yeo eventually decided not to run.
  • Current President S. R. Nathan was reportedly considering re-election, but had yet to make any decisions.[14] On 24 June, Nathan announced that he would make an announcement on whether to run for re-election in two week's time.[15] He announced on 2 July 2011 that he would not run for re-election.[16]
  • Businessman Mark Lee announced his bid for the presidency on 1 June 2011,[17] but later discovered that he did not the requirement of being a private company CEO for 3 years. He quitted as CEO of Global Ariel 5 months shy of the 3-year mark in July 2007.[18]
  • Despite speculations that former Senior Minister S. Jayakumar is considering a run, he has denied that he has any intention to run in an interview.[19]
  • Singapore People's Party leader and former Potong Pasir SMC MP, Chiam See Tong announced that he would not run for the presidency on 10 June, despite earlier speculation that he was considering running for the presidency.[20]
  • Former Foreign Minister and Aljunied GRC MP George Yeo initially ruled out a run for President or any form of elected office after his defeat in Aljunied GRC during the general election.[21] He later called himself a "free spirit" and said that he did not feel that he was "temperamentally suited for such a job".[22] He then announced on Facebook that he was seriously considering a run for the Presidency.[23][24] On 5 June 2011, Yeo announced that he will make a decision on running for President within 2 weeks, and has asked his friends to pick up eligibility forms on his behalf.[25] Yeo later said on 15 June that he would not run for the Presidency[26] on his Facebook page.[27]

Timeline

May

  • 10 - George Yeo declines to run for Presidency, or any other forms of elected office, after defeat in General Election, calling himself a "free spirit" and not "temperamentally suited" for the Presidency.[21]
  • 27 - Tan Cheng Bock announces candidacy.[6]
  • 29 - Zainul declines to run for the Presidency, but left open the option of declaring a run in the future. He has yet to make any announcement to that effect.[11]

June

  • 1 - Applications for Certificate of Eligibility to run in the race were made available.[28]
  • 1 - Mark Lee announces his candidacy.[17]
  • 1 - Ooi Boon Ewe announces his candidacy, while asking the Election Department to waive one of the constitutional requirements for the Presidency for him.[13]
  • 2 - Yeo backtracks from earlier statement, announces on Facebook that he is "thinking hard" about a run.[24]
  • 3 - Tan Kin Lian said he will announce his candidacy at a "later date".*[7]
  • 3 - Mark Lee announces that he is ineligible for the Presidency.[18]
  • 5 - Yeo announces he will make a decision on a potential candidacy in 2 weeks, and asked friends to pick up the eligibility forms on his behalf.[25]
  • 7 - Tan Kin Lian announces his candidacy.[8]
  • 9 - S. Jayakumar declines to run for President during a newspaper interview.[19]
  • 9 - Mohamed Raffi Bashir Ahmed collected eligibility forms for the Presidency.[12]
  • 9 - Channel NewsAsia reveals that Andrew Kuan will collect his eligibility forms and run for President before nomination closes.[12]
  • 10 - Chiam See Tong declines to run for President.[20]
  • 15 - Yeo declines to run for President.[26][27]
Dr & Mrs Tan at the press conference announcing his candidacy, June 2011.
Dr & Mrs Tan at the press conference announcing his candidacy, June 2011.
  • 23 - Tony Tan announces his candidacy.[10]
  • 26 - Tan Kin Lian told Shin Min Daily News that he does not rule out the possibility of negotiating a deal with Tan Cheng Bock, which could result in either candidate withdrawing from the race.[29]

July

  • 2 - S.R. Nathan declines to run again for President.

Future

  • 3 Days after Writ of Election issued - Nominations close.[30]
  • By 30 August 2011 - Election Day

Analysis

Various analysts said that while George Yeo is still a PAP member (the Constitution prohibits the President from having party membership), his popularity seems to have survived his defeat at Aljunied GRC. Some analysts noted that should Yeo decide to run, he should be well-suited for the Presidency, noting that he has served in various cabinet positions.[31] Others were critical of the speed with which Yeo announced his intention not to contest in future his lost parliamentary seat, his comments about being "temperamentally" unsuited to the presidency, and the likely difficulty of him claiming any independence from the PAP in a contested election.[23][32]

After Yeo declined to run for the Presidency, political analysts say Tony Tan would be one of the more suitable candidates, even though Tan himself has yet to declare his candidacy at that time. Analysts noted Tan's experience in cabinet, as well as his independent mind, having opposed various government schemes during his time in Cabinet.[33]

Minister for Law K. Shanmugam have expressed concerns that voters and prospective candidates are confusing or misinterpreting the President's powers, and clarified what the office can do and cannot do.[34]

In an e-mail to reporters at Lianhe Zaobao, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised Tony Tan's performance during his time in Cabinet, and stopping short of an outright endorsement, said that should Tony Tan be elected President, he would be able to unite Singaporeans, and bring honor to the country.[35]

Polling

A scientific poll on voter preference has yet to be done, however, at least two unscientific polls have been released.

On its Answer page, Yahoo! Singapore did an unscientific poll on Singaporean netizen's top pick for President. S Jayakumar (declined to run), Tony Tan ("watching closely"), Tan Cheng Bock (declared), and George Yeo (declined to run) were top picks. Other, more unconventional, choice by netizens include Ho Ching, wife of current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, author Catherine Lim, and film director Jack Neo.[36]

On his personal blog, Tan Kin Lian posted the results of a Facebook poll done by a third party,[37] which shows Tan Cheng Bock being in the lead. Tan Kin Lian was in second place, while Tony Tan was in third place. Tony Tan has yet to announce his candidacy when the poll was released.[38]

Campaigning

Campaigning, on a widespread scale, has yet to happen, but on 17 June, Shin Min Daily News reported that Tan Ching Bock has already began to meet voters at various bazaars in Singapore.[39]

There are spending limits for all Singaporean elections. A presidential candidate may not spend more than SG$600,000, or 30 cents per elector, whichever amount is greater. Overspending incurs a $2,000 fine, as well as disqualification from running or voting in any elections for 3 years.[40]

Voting

A voting date has yet to be announced, but political analysts believe the election could be held on 20 August, after the National Day Parade celebration and the National Day Rally. Analysts also believe the possibility of having the election before National Day on 9 August is extremely unlikely, given the President's role during the National Day Parade.[41]

Voting is compulsory in Singapore. Those who did not vote will have their names expunged from the Register of Electors, and be ineligible to vote in future Presidential or Parliamentary elections, in addition to being ineligible to contest these elections.[42] Voters can apply to be reinstated to the Register of Electors, but a $50 fine is imposed on those who did not vote without a valid reason.[42]

References

  1. ^ Tan, Eugene (31 May 2011). "Expect a different kind of Presidential Election: The political climate might disadvantage a Government-endorsed candidate, but it should be about who is the best man for the job". Today. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  2. ^ Constitution, Arts. 148A and 148D.
  3. ^ Constitution, Art. 22(1).
  4. ^ a b Channel News Asia. "3 bills tabled to amend Constitution, Presidential & Parliamentary elections". Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  5. ^ The Straits Times. "Singapore's constitutional amendments passed". Retrieved April 27, 2010.
  6. ^ a b Cai, Yongwei (27 May 2011). "前議員陳清木　決定參加總統選舉 (Former MP Tan Cheng Bock Decides to Run for President)". Lianhe Wanbao (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  7. ^ a b See, Sharon (3 June 2011). "Former NTUC Income chief running for President?". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  8. ^ a b "Tan Kin Lian to run for President". Channel NewsAsia (via TODAYonline). 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  9. ^ Gao, Jiankang (6 July 2011). "不怕三角战　陈钦亮明早呈竞选表格 (Translation: Unafraid of 3-corner fight, Tan Kin Lian [Would Be] Submitting Eligibility Forms The Next Morning)". Lianhe Wanbao. Retrieved 7 July 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Tony Tan to run for President". Today. 23 June 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  11. ^ a b Guo, Xiufang (29 May 2011). "再諾暫不打算　競選民選總統 (Translation: Zainul Declines, for Now, to Run for President)". Shin Min Daily News (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  12. ^ a b c d Grosse, Sara (9 June 2011). "Fourth presidential hopeful collects forms". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  13. ^ a b Musfirah, Hetty (1 June 2011). "Ooi Boon Ewe intends to run in presidential election". Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  14. ^ Hoe, Yeen Nie (7 June 2011). "President Nathan running for 3rd term?". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  15. ^ "三陳之爭　人民得利？ (Translation: Will the People Benefit from the "Race of the 3 Tans"?)". my paper (in Simplified Chinese). 24 June 2011. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  16. ^ http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7427380.html
  17. ^ a b Lin, Daosheng; Hua Jingjing (1 June 2011). "企業家李慶祥　有意競選總統 (Translation: Entrepreneur Mark Lee Express Interest in Running for President)". Shin Min Daily News (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 1 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  18. ^ a b "李慶祥無法競選總統 (Translation: Mark Lee Unable to Run for President)". My Paper (in Simplified Chinese). 3 June 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  19. ^ a b You, Rentian (10 June 2011). "賈古瑪：一些有意參選者　曲解民選總統權限 (Translation: Jayakumar: Some Presidential Hopefuls are Misinterpreting the Office's Powers)". Lianhe Zaobao (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 10 June 2011. 他昨天受訪時明確表明本身不會角逐民選總統職位 (Translation: When he [Jayakumar] was interviewed yesterday, he clearly stated that he will not run for the Presidency) {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  20. ^ a b Ramesh, S (10 June 2011). "Former MP Chiam See Tong not contesting Presidential Election". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  21. ^ a b Huang, Yupei; Xu Xiangyu (10 May 2011). "楊榮文宣佈不再參選　'不代表將退出政壇' (Translation: George Yeo Announces He Will Not Be Running For Office, [But] Does Not Mean He's Quitting Politics)". Lianhe Wanbao (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  22. ^ "George Yeo for President?", Today Online, 2 June 2011.
  23. ^ a b "楊榮文正認真考慮競選總統 (Translation: George Yeo is Seriously Considering to Run for President)". My Paper. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  24. ^ a b "George Yeo". Retrieved 2 June 2011. Many Singaporeans from different walks of life, young and old, have asked me to reconsider my decision on the Presidency, some impassionately. Thinking hard about it and praying for wisdom.
  25. ^ a b "George Yeo". In case the presidential election writ is issued while I'm away, some young friends will collect the eligibility forms for me. It is a big decision which I hope to make two weeks from now after taking in views n advice from many people. I ask for your patience n understanding.
  26. ^ a b "George Yeo not running for Elected Presidency". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  27. ^ a b Yeo, George. "To my dear Friends and Supporters". Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  28. ^ Ismail, Saifulbahri (27 May 2011). "Presidential Election: Eligibility certificate applications open June 1". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  29. ^ "陳欽亮：或與陳清木協商　避免爆發三角戰 (Translation: Tan Kin Lian: I Might Negotiate with Tan Cgeng Bock to Prevent a Three-Way Race)". Shin Min Daily News (in Simplified Chinese). 26 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  30. ^ "CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  31. ^ Ye, Weiqiang (2 June 2011). "觀察家：競逐總統大選　楊榮文比陳清木更受國人歡迎 (Translation: Analysts: In Presidential Race, George Yeo Seems to be More Popular than Tan Cheng Bock)". Shin Min Daily News. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  32. ^ George Yeo may consider running for President, news.asiaone.com, 1 June 2011
  33. ^ Wong, Tessa; Elgin Toh; Andrea Ong (17 June 2011). "Tony Tan seen as likely candidate". Straits Times. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  34. ^ Guo, Lijuan (11 June 2011). "律政部長發表聲明：獲授權治理國家的是總理　民選總統有監管權無行政權 (Translation: Minister for Law Issues Statement: The Person Authorised to Run the Country is the Prime Minister. The President has Supervisory Powers, and No Executive Powers)". Lianhe Zaobao. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
  35. ^ Zhou, Shuyin; Huang Huimin (26 June 2011). "李總理：陳慶炎若當選總統　必能團結全民並為國增光 (Translation: PM Lee: Should Tony Tan Be Elected, He Will Be Able to Unite the People, and Bring Honor to the Country.)". Lianhe Zaobao (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 4 July 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  36. ^ Sim, Fann (31 May 2011). "Netizens list their choice for President". Yahoo! Singapore. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  37. ^ "Dr. Tan Cheng Bock leads in this Poll". 21 June. Retrieved 24 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  38. ^ Sahita, Nilesh. "President Election 2011 (PE2011) Poll Question - open to only Singaporean Citizens. Who are you likely to vote for PE2011?". Facebook. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  39. ^ Zheng, Kaiwen (17 June 2011). "政治觀察家：陳慶炎比楊榮文更適合當總統 (Political Analysts: Tony Tan is More Suitable for the Presidency than George Yeo)". Shin Min Daily News (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 17 June 2011. 陳清木已開始訪巴剎見選民 (Tan Ching Bock is already meeting with voters at bazaars)
  40. ^ "ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT". Singapore Elections Department. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  41. ^ Zheng, Kaiwen (10 June 2011). "總統選舉投票日　或落在8月20日 (Translation: Polling Day for Presidential Election Might Fall on 20 August)". Shin Min Daily News. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  42. ^ a b "VOTING IS COMPULSORY". Singapore Elections Department. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
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