(Singapore 29 May 2023) Singapore President Halimah Yacob announced today that she won’t run for the second term in the upcoming election.
“In a few months’ time, the Presidential Election will be held. After very careful consideration, I have decided not to stand for re-election,” she said in a statement posted on istana.gov.sg.
The next presidential election must be held by September 13, when Mdm Halimah’s term of office expires.
As Singapore’s first female president, Mdm Halimah, 68, has been widely recognized to seek to ensure “a broader and more open” meritocracy for Singapore, urging lawmakers to narrow social divisions and address inequality.
She said it has been a great honor and privilege to serve as the eighth President of Singapore for the past six years. The experience has been most inspiring and, at the same time, humbling.
“I was aware of the tremendous responsibilities of the Presidency when I took office in 2017 and I have tried my best to fulfill them. My aim was to help create a more caring and compassionate society.”
Looking back at her presidency, Mdm Halimah said she has tried her best to fulfill the “tremendous responsibilities” of the presidency. She also said she is grateful to all Singaporeans for their trust, understanding and kindness during my tenure, and to the many community, social and business organizations, who have inspired her with their conviction and enthusiasm to build a better Singapore.
“I have been most fortunate to be given the chance to serve all Singaporeans regardless of race, language, or social standing as the President of Singapore. I will forever cherish the fond memories of the people I have met, and the experiences acquired during my term,” she said.
“These will inspire me to continue contributing to our society and nation in other ways for as long as I am able to. I would also like to thank my husband and family for their unstinting support throughout my Presidency.”
The next elected presidency will not be reserved for minority candidates. It is not clear who will be the candidates for the next president.
