NOMINATION DAY FOR SINGAPORE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS AUG 17

SINGAPORE, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Singaporeans will go to the polls to choose
their next president on Aug 27, should more than one candidate stand nominated
for election at the close of nominations on nomination day.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has issued the writ of election announcing
Aug 17 as nomination day.

So far, five potential candidates have expressed keen interest to run for
the post, which is currently held by President SR Nathan.

Two days before his 87th birthday, Nathan had announced that he would step
down when his second term ran out on Aug 31.

Among the five, four, including former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan,
former Ayer Rajah member of parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock, former NTUC Income
chief Tan Kin Lian and former opposition member Tan Jee Say, have submitted
applications for a certificate of eligibility to contest the election.

Another candidate, Andrew Kuan, has collected the forms.

Those interested have until Aug 6 to submit their application forms.

The Presidential Elections Committee will assess their applications and
issue certificates to those it judges to be of integrity, good character and
reputation, with the necessary experience for the post of elected president.

Nomination papers for the presidential election are now available for
collection at the Elections Department during normal office hours, until
nomination day.

Polling day is a public holiday.