Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, Chan Chun Sing, revealed that there are around 50 public service positions that meet the requirements for individuals aiming to run for the elected presidency in Singapore.
Minister Chan, who also serves as the Education Minister, made this statement in response to a parliamentary query by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai. Mr. Leong sought information on the estimated number of eligible Singaporeans categorized by their fulfillment of either public or private sector service requirements for presidential candidacy.
Minister Chan explained that there are more than 1,200 companies with an average shareholders' equity equal to or exceeding S$500 million for potential candidates seeking to qualify under the private sector service requirement.
He clarified that the Elections Department does not keep a record of the specific number of Singaporeans who are eligible to be elected as president.
The next presidential election in Singapore must be held by September 13, as the incumbent President Halimah Yacob's six-year term will conclude on that day. Unlike the reserved election in 2017, where only candidates from the Malay community were eligible to participate, the upcoming election will be open to candidates of all races.
The eligibility of candidates is determined by the Presidential Elections Committee, which comprises members such as the chairpersons of the Public Service Commission and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
According to Singapore's Constitution, candidates must fulfill the public sector service requirements, which include holding positions such as minister, chief justice, Speaker of the House, attorney-general, permanent secretary, or chief executive of key statutory boards or government-owned companies like Temasek.
Private sector candidates, on the other hand, must have served as a chief executive of a company with an average shareholders' equity of at least S$500 million for a minimum of three years.
In addition to meeting the service requirements, potential candidates must demonstrate integrity, good character, and a positive reputation to the committee.
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