Former Indian-origin Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected President on Friday, comfortably securing victory in the city-state’s first contested vote for the largely ceremonial position in over a decade. According to a sample count from the Elections Department, the 66-year-old economist earned more than 70 percent of valid votes. He was a longtime stalwart of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) but stepped down from his government and party leadership positions earlier this year, stressing independence during his campaign. The race was widely seen as a test of public sentiment amid economic challenges and recent high-profile scandals. Analysts say … Continue reading Indian-Origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam Elected Singapore’s New President