SINGAPORE: President S R Nathan has submitted his eligibility
application form to run for a second term as President, ending
months of speculation over his plans.
This was submitted on his behalf by lawyer and grassroots leader Mr
Toh Weng Cheong at the Elections Department on Tuesday.
Mr Toh was also the man who sent in Mr Nathan's application form
for the 1999 Presidential Election.
Mr Nathan, who turned 81 on 3 July, became Singapore's third
Elected President when he won the election without a contest in
1999.
His current six-year term in office ends on 31 August.
Now that he has submitted his application form, all eyes will be on
the announcement of the date for Nomination Day, which will come in
the Writ of Election to be issued by the Prime Minister.
Altogether, 17 application forms have been collected from the
Elections Department since 31 May, and one returned on Monday
bringing the total submission to two.
These forms, which will be processed by the Presidential Elections
Committee, are for the certificate of eligibility which will state
if the applicant is of integrity, good character and
reputation.
All candidates need this certificate to contest the election.
In May this year, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong himself had said he
hoped Mr Nathan would run for a second term.
Mr Goh said: "He has done a very good job. If his health allows it,
if he's fit and healthy, he would continue to make a good
President." - CNA/ir