Singapore: Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin Singapore-born economist, won Singapore’s presidential election, defeating two other Chinese origin contenders in the country’s first contested presidential polls since 2011.
Shanmugaratnam, 66, who served as Singapore’s deputy PM from 2011 to 2019, got 70.4% votes while his rivals Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian bagged 15.7% and 13.88% respectively, the Elections Department spokesman said.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Tharman on winning the election. “Singaporeans have chosen 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,” he said.
“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,” Lee said.
Earlier, speaking at Taman Jurong Food Centre where his supporters had gathered, Tharman said he is “truly humbled by the strong endorsement” Singaporeans have given him.
“I’m humbled by this vote - it is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore's future, a future of optimism and solidarity. That’s what it really is. My campaign was one of optimism and solidarity, and I believe that’s what Singaporeans want,” he said.