Singapore Approved the Famous Tharman Shanmugaratnam As Its President

In the nation’s first hard-fought presidential election since 2011, economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a Singaporean of Indian ancestry, defeated two other candidates of Chinese ancestry.

According to a spokesman for the Elections Department, Shanmugaratnam, 66, who held the position of deputy prime minister of Singapore from 2011 to 2019, received 70.4% of the vote, while Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15.7% and 13.88% of the vote, respectively.

Tharman received congratulations from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after winning the election.

“Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam has received a clear majority of the vote from Singaporeans to become our next president. In his capacity as head of state, he will represent us both domestically and internationally and wield parental authority, including over the reserves and important appointments, he said. “I appreciate the three candidates running in this presidential election. I’m glad that Singaporeans were able to exercise their right to choose our next leader and to pay attention to what the chosen leader stands for. According to Lee, it is encouraging for Singapore that both voters and candidates in this election demonstrated a stronger knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of the president.

Earlier, Tharman said he is “truly humbled” by the “strong endorsement” Singaporeans have given him when speaking at Taman Jurong Food Centre, where his supporters had congregated. I’m honoured by this vote because it represents Singapore’s future—an optimistic and united future—not just a vote for me. That is actually what it is. I think that’s what Singaporeans want since my campaign was one of positivity and unity,” he remarked. Tharman was cited by Channel News Asia as saying, “I will respect all Singaporeans, including those who did not vote for me, and I will honour the faith that Singaporeans have placed in me.

In July, Tharman formally began his run for president, promising to modernise the nation’s culture in order to keep it a “shining spot” in the international community. He entered politics in 2001 and has spent more than 20 years working for the People’s Action Party (PAP), which is currently in power. More than 2.7 million people cast ballots. At the opening of the polls at 8 a.m., voters began casting their ballots. At 8 p.m. (local time), the voting closed. The six-year tenure of current President Madam Halimah Yacob expires on September 13. She is the eighth and first female president of the United States. Singapore held its first competitive presidential election since 2011 with this one.

With his victory in Singapore’s presidential election, Tharman Shanmugaratnam joins a lengthy list of Indian-origin leaders who are currently controlling politics in significant global capitals.

The 66-year-old Mr. Shanmugaratnam won the presidential election on Friday with 70.4% of the vote.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday, saying, “Singaporeans have decisively chosen Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam to be our next president.”

He is one of several world leaders with Indian ancestry who have reached the pinnacle of international public service.