While candidates would naturally seek to differentiate themselves from each other, it would not do Singapore any good if the Presidential Election became divisive, says Institute of Policy Studies’ Woo Jun Jie.
Interestingly, all three candidates have stressed that they do not come from privileged or elite backgrounds.
By sharing their roots, all three candidates have highlighted their ability to empathise with and unify Singaporeans from all walks of life.In announcing his presidential bid, Mr Tharman said that he would “keep the social compact strong by being the unifying figure”. This was reiterated in his presidential candidate broadcast, where he vowed to be a “unifying figure at home and to advance Singapore’s interests abroad”.
This unifying role of the president is perhaps an important point to keep in mind, particularly during the hustings whenWhile it is natural for competitors in any race to jostle for pole positions and seek to differentiate themselves from each other, it would not do Singapore any good if in the run-up to selecting this unifying figure, people ironically become divided.
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