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Why Tharman’s candidacy is a boost for the elected presidency

Apart from his international stature, the Senior Minister brings unique qualities to the contest.

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced on Thursday that he intends to run for president.

ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Eugene KB Tan

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s announcement of

in the upcoming election could ignite Singaporeans’ enthusiasm for the elected presidency.

With incumbent President Halimah Yacob

, Mr Tharman said in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday that he decided to put himself forward as a candidate.