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What Tharman’s massive election win could mean for politics in Singapore

This was a presidential election where the vast majority of voters demonstrated that they do not welcome a politicised presidency.

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Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's overwhelming mandate shows a call for unity and multiracialism by the Singaporean electorate, says the writer.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's overwhelming mandate shows a call for unity and multiracialism by the Singaporean electorate, says the writer.

ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

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How can we interpret last Saturday’s presidential election result, where Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam

swept 70.4 per cent of the popular vote

to become the first non-ethnic Chinese to be elected president in a contest?

Given his margin of victory, Mr Tharman undoubtedly scooped up votes from the “oppositionist” camp. His prior People’s Action Party (PAP) affiliation did not matter much, given the other sterling qualities he possesses and could bring to the presidency. Earlier concerns that he was “overqualified” for the role also disappeared.

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