President of Singapore

The President of Singapore is the head of state. In parliamentary systems like the Westminster system, which Singapore employs, the prime minister is the head of the government while the position of President is largely ceremonial. Before 1993, the President was elected by the unicameral Parliament, with executive power remaining with the Prime Minister. The President's flag is a banner of the country's coat of arms. The President is a constitutional head of state, with duties similar to those of the British monarch, although constitutional changes have given the holder of the office new reserve powers. The President's official residence is called the Istana. Although the president should be elected by universal suffrage, the People's Action Party of Singapore which holds political power in Singapore and is headed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has disqualified all contenders except one from running for office.

Term of Office

(1) The President shall hold office for a term of 6 years from the date on which he assumes office.

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(2) The person elected to the office of President shall assume office on the day his predecessor ceases to hold office or, if the office is vacant, on the day following his election.

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(3) Upon his assumption of office, the President shall take and subscribe in the presence of the Chief Justice or of another Justice of the Supreme Court the Oath of Office in the form set out in the First Schedule.

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