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Elected presidency: Selecting the right person for a unique office

The system works best when the president is independent without being antagonistic towards an elected government

Besides exercising custodial oversight in key areas of governance, a president must also be a unifying figure for all Singaporeans and represent Singapore on the international stage.

A president must also be a unifying figure for all Singaporeans and represent Singapore on the international stage.

PHOTO: ST FILE

Terence Ho

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As Singapore

prepares for the upcoming presidential election

, the spotlight is once again on the unique institution of the elected president. This time, talk has centred on the qualifying criteria for private sector candidates, which some perceive as exceptionally stringent. Do we really need such a high bar for this office and what qualities should a president possess to perform the role well?

Answering these questions requires clarity about the aims of the elected presidency and the nature of the president’s role.

Elected presidency: Selecting the right person for a unique office

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