Ng Kok Song secured 15.72% of the vote, while Tan Kin Lian garnered 13.88%.
SINGAPORE: Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been elected as Singapore’s 9th President, achieving a resounding victory with 70.4% of the vote. The final results, announced shortly after midnight on Saturday (Sep 2), placed Ng Kok Song second with 15.72% and Tan Kin Lian third with 13.88%. Rejected votes accounted for 1.98% of the total, numbering 50,152.
This landslide win underscores Tharman’s broad appeal across political divides. Associate Professor Eugene Tan from Singapore Management University noted that Tharman’s win demonstrates his ability to unite Singaporeans.
“We’re looking at more than two-thirds of Singaporeans who voted for Mr Tharman, which means that he received support from across the political spectrum. This is really the uniting of Singaporeans,” Prof Tan said on CNA’s Presidential Election special.
A President for the People
Speaking to the media after the sample count, Tharman expressed gratitude for the strong mandate. “I am truly humbled by this vote of confidence in Singapore and optimism for a future in which we can progress together as Singaporeans,” he said.
In a Facebook post, Tharman emphasized his vision for a Singapore rooted in solidarity and mutual respect. “A future of deeper respect for each other, regardless of backgrounds and educational achievements, and closer interactions between our different faiths and cultures,” he wrote.
Reactions from Rivals
Ng Kok Song graciously conceded the election after the sample count, saying, “The result is clear … The relatively low percentage of votes that I obtained was the price I paid to give Singaporeans the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.”
Tan Kin Lian, while acknowledging Tharman’s overwhelming lead, stated he would wait for the final tally before conceding. “I’m confident that he will be elected as President of Singapore,” he added.
A Global Presence
Prof Tan remarked on Tharman’s international stature and the implications of his presidency for Singapore’s global standing. “World leaders will recognize Mr. Tharman as a leader who commands the trust and confidence of the majority of Singaporeans. His extensive international experience will ensure Singapore’s voice is prominently heard in global meetings,” he said.
This election, the first contested Presidential Election since 2011, saw over 2.7 million Singaporeans casting their votes, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
