Singapore, Sep 1 - Singaporeans went out to exercise their right to vote today. This is the first presidential election in more than 10 years and is an election that is being closely watched as it will be an indicator of government support.
Various polling stations had people queuing up and waiting to vote in an orderly manner. The election will succeed Halimah Yacob, who ran unopposed in the 2017 election for a six-year term that expires this year. The favorite in the election is Mr. Tharman. Janmugaratnam who worked in the PAP party for a long time before resigning to run for election Mr. Mr. Chanmukaratnam The 66-year-old economist is a former deputy prime minister and former finance minister. It is seen as having government support and has been questioned about its independence from political parties during the election campaign. Because under the constitution The president must be politically neutral. The other candidates are Tan Kin Lian, 75, a former insurance company executive who is backed by some opposition leaders, and Eng Kok Song, 75, a former GIC executive. Singapore Wealth Fund which oversees international reserves
The role of the President of Singapore is largely ceremonial. But there are a number of authority requirements for the position, including official oversight of the country's financial reserves and the power to vote against certain measures and approve investigations into corruption.
This election will not have an exit poll. The election results will be announced tonight.
Singapore has a government headed by the Prime Minister. Mr. Lee Hsien Loong is currently serving as prime minister from the People's Action Party (PAP), which has ruled Singapore since 1959. Political observers say This election will be an indicator of the level of support for the PAP. Ahead of the general elections scheduled to be held in 2025 after several scandals emerged. Including the investigation into corruption of the Transport Minister and the resignation of Two PAP MPs were involved in the corruption case.
Source: Thai News Agency