Singaporeans set to elect new president on Aug 27

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SINGAPORE: Singaporeans will go to the polls to elect their new president on Aug 27, following a four-cornered fight involving candidates with the surname Tan, who are eyeing the republic’s highest public office.

Presidential hopefuls Dr Tony Tan, Dr Tan Cheng Bok, Tan Kin Lian and Tan Jee Say submitted nomination papers this morning.

Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee officially announced the list of candidates for the presidential race when no objection was raised at the close of nominations.

The candidates are given a minimum nine days for campaigning to woo an estimated 2.35 million eligible voters, including a cooling-off day, when no campaigning and fresh advertising would be allowed.

Dr Tony Tan is a former deputy prime minister, while Dr Tan Cheng Bok is a former member of parliament. Both are 71.

The rest are Tan Kin Lian, 63, a former National Trades Union Congress Income chief, and Tan Jee Say, 57, a former senior civil servant.

The republic’s presidential post will be vacant after the current president, SR Nathan, completes his six-year term on Sept 1.

Nathan has expressed his decision not to contest for another term due to his age. He began his presidential term on Sept 1, 1999. – Bernama