As the clock ticked towards 10pm, Singaporeans eagerly awaited the sample votes of the Presidential Election 2023. It was projected that the results would be out between 10pm to 11pm, but as the clock hit 10:30pm with no announcement, the tension in the air became palpable.
People began to wonder: Was it a nail-bitingly close fight, prompting a recount of the sample votes? Were there any issues with the votes?
Finally, at around 10:45pm, the results came in, confirming some predictions while defying others.
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Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a whopping 70% of the sample votes, while Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian trailed with 16% and 14%, respectively.
This result indicated two almost certain outcomes: Tharman would soon be a ubiquitous presence, and Tan Kin Lian would, fortunately, be getting back his deposit.
However, it was essential to remember that these were just the sample counts, and the final results could still hold a surprise or two.
But come on: even 8World has ended its livestream. You should know how accurate this is.
Candidates Respond to Sample Counts
Tharman, surrounded by supporters at the Taman Jurong Hawker Centre, expressed his gratitude after the sample count results were released. He stated, “I believe that the vote for me and what I stand for is a vote of confidence in Singapore. It’s a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans.”
He pledged to honour the trust placed in him by all Singaporeans, including those who did not vote for him. After addressing his supporters, he returned to the crowd, leaving us all in suspense about whether he was indulging in his favorite hawker food or anxiously awaiting the official results.
Most probably the latter.
Ng Kok Song, who was in his social media team office, revealed that his primary goal was to prevent a walkover, a goal he successfully achieved despite the relatively low percentage of votes he received.
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He expressed satisfaction in providing Singaporeans the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, stating, “That was the ultimate objective when I set out to stand for the presidency, and I’m glad that I’ve achieved that goal.”
Shortly after this statement, he left the office, even before the official results were announced.
In contrast to Tharman and Ng Kok Song, who spent the evening in public spaces with their supporters, Tan Kin Lian watched the results from his home, which he referred to as his “command centre.”
Addressing his supporters in English, Mandarin, and Malay, he expressed gratitude and shared his intention to lead a “normal life,” heeding his family’s advice.
Although he did not concede defeat until the final results are in, he acknowledged Tharman’s overwhelming lead and offered his congratulations.
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Expressing his disappointment, Tan Kin Lian admitted that he expected to do much better. He added that he would need to reflect on why things did not go as he had hoped.
Now, if you’re now feeling sleepy after this roller-coaster of a night, it’s safe to go to bed. Chances are high that you would wake up to see President Tharman gracing your television screen.
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