Singapore to hold presidential election on Aug. 27

Voters in Singapore will go to the polls on Aug. 27 to choose their next president if the election is contested, the government said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued the Writ of Election for the presidential election on Wednesday, announcing that the nomination day is Aug. 17. The president is largely a ceremonial position. President S R Nathan, who has said he would not seek a third term, won the past two presidential elections uncontested as the only qualified candidate. Five potential candidates have indicated their interest in running for president this year. Former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan, former lawmaker Tan Cheng Bock, former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian and former opposition member Tan Jee Say have submitted their applications for a certificate of eligibility to contest the election. The other candidate Andrew Kuan has collected the forms. Local media said more candidates could still come forward, as those who are interested have another three days till Aug. 6 to submit their applications. A presidential elections committee will assess their applications and issue certificates to those it judges to be of integrity, good character and reputation, with the necessary experience, such as executive and financial experience in government or a statutory board or a company worth at least 100 million Singapore dollars (82.6 million U.S. dollars) for at least three years.