Appreciating the roles, powers and limits of the elected presidency

WITH the issuance of the Writ of Election last week, Singapore’s sixth presidential election enters a critical phase. At least four presidential hopefuls await the Presidential Elections Committee’s decision on their eligibility to contest.

In the meantime, they have ramped up their (unofficial) campaigning with the aim of profiling themselves and their visions for their presidency should they be elected. Regardless of whether Singaporeans get to cast their votes, it is vital that Singaporeans have a good and accurate understanding of the roles, functions and powers of the elected presidency, enabling them to make an informed choice.

Despite being directly elected by the people, the president does not have an independent political role or power. The presidency is defined as much by the exercise of its custodial powers but also by clearly stipulated limits to its power. Hence, the presidential election is quite different from the parliamentary general election, which we are more familiar with. Only two presidential elections were contested – in 1993 and in 2011.