Singapore Presidential Election: Polling day on 1 Sept, Nomination Day on 22 Aug
Nomination Day decision to determine election or walkover, as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issues writ of election
SINGAPORE — Singaporeans are set to vote on 1 September for the Presidential Election, but this will only happen if more than one candidate qualifies to run for the presidency.
The decision on whether there will be an election or a walkover will be made known on Nomination Day on 22 August.
The dates were announced on the Government e-Gazette website on Friday (11 August), confirming that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has initiated the election process by issuing the writ of election.
Before Nomination Day, the Presidential Elections Committee will evaluate all potential candidates and communicate their decision to them. If there is only a single eligible candidate, that individual will be declared the President on Nomination Day.
Polling Day will be designated as a public holiday.
Four hopefuls emerge as election day approaches
Currently, there are four individuals who have expressed their intention to run for president: former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, aged 66; George Goh, a 63-year-old entrepreneur; Ng Kok Song, a former GIC investment chief, aged 75; and Tan Kin Lian, the former NTUC Income chief, also aged 75.
The incumbent President Halimah Yacob has confirmed that she will not be seeking re-election.
In terms of candidacy timelines, Tharman launched his presidential bid on 26 July, while George Goh submitted his forms on 4 August, and Ng Kok Song did so on the same week.
Tan Kin Lian officially launched his presidential bid on Friday (11 August).
Academic changes due to election
In light of the upcoming Presidential Election in 2023 and the associated Writ of Election, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) have implemented several adjustments to the academic schedule.
In a joint media release on Friday, MOE and SEAB said the school holiday originally planned for Teachers' Day 2023 on 1 September, has been rescheduled. Instead, it will now take place on 11 September, which will be designated a School Holiday.
The GCE 'N' level papers originally scheduled for 11 September (Monday) will now be conducted on 12 and 20 September.
This is to provide certainty for candidates preparing for their examinations, added the release.
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