JC SiLent:You cant be that far away from me ; if we're looking on the same side of the moon
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Li Xueying, Sue-Ann Chia May 17 2005 The Straits Times
THE search for Singapore's next elected President will begin officially in 2 weeks.
Potential candidates can submit their names fr May 31. It will be held bet Jun and Aug.
Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said tis yest in Parliament. He was responding on behalf of the Prime Minister to Non-Constituency MP Steve Chia, who asked if the presidential election would be held tis yr.
Mr Wong said the exact date had yet to be determined, as PM Lee Hsien Loong had not decided when to issue a writ tt sets in motion the election process. Under the Constitution, the presidential election has to be held anytime fr Jun to Aug.
President S R Nathan ends his 6-yr term on Aug 31. When asked about his plans recently, he had said: 'Everybody is speculating. I'm not speculating. I'm hoping to look into retirement.' A veteran civil servant and former diplomat, he was the 2nd person to be elected to the office after the Constitution was changed in 1991 for the President to be elected by the people. He was unopposed, as no other eligible candidate came forward.
If President Nathan chooses to retire, speculation is focused on Dr Tony Tan as a possible candidate, after it was announced last year that Dr Tan would step down as Deputy Prime Minister after June.
The 1st person to be elected President was Mr Ong Teng Cheong, who was also a former DPM.
Even though Mr Wong has spelt out the timeframe within which a Presidential Election must be held, there may be no contest if there is only 1 candidate.
Criteria for presidential aspirants are these:
1. They must be at least 45 years old
2. They have at least 3 yrs' experience as ministers, heads of statutory boards or key government agencies, or have headed a company whose minimum paid-up capital is $100 million, or have equivalent experience.
Candidates must be screened by the Presidential Elections Committee and get a certificate of eligibility before they can be nominated. This certificate is given only if the committee is satisfied tt the candidate is of integrity, good character and reputation, and has the necessary experience in financial matters.
For tis year's Presidential Election, candidates can apply to the committee for a certificate fr May 31, which is 3 mths before the incumbent President's term expires, and not later than 3 days aft the issue of the writ.
The 3-member committee consists of 2 senior civil servants and a member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.
In response to Mr Chia's suggestion for a publicity campaign to encourage contest, Mr Wong said: 'I am sure the media will give wide publicity when the Presidential Elections Committee starts inviting those interested to apply for the certificate of eligibility later tis mth. 'The Government does not determine how many persons will apply for the certificate of eligibility. It is up to Singaporeans to come forward to present themselves as candidates.'
Also approved yest were changes tt will simplify procedures for the presidential election and future general elections.
The changes streamline the nomination process, allowing fewer forms to be submitted and giving more room for minor mistakes to be corrected on Nomination Day.
Mr Wong said 'deserving candidates should not be disqualified from standing because of minor technicalities'.
In the 2001 election, a Workers' Party team was disqualified because of a form that was wrongly filled in. With the changes, candidates will find it easier to correct 'non-fatal' or minor errors on Nomination Day. New forms will be made available by Elections Department officials. A Commissioner of Oath will also be present to stamp and verify the candidate's forms. Computers will be available for candidates to check the particulars of those supporting their nomination.
& 11:32 pm