Singaporeans will go to the polls to choose their next president on Aug 27, should more than one candidate stand nominated for election at the close of nominations on nomination day.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has issued the writ of election announcing Aug 17 as nomination day.

The nomination centre will be at the People’s Association in King George’s Avenue. The returning officer for the presidential election is Yam Ah Mee, who is the association’s chief executive director.

So far, five potential candidates have expressed keen interest to run for the post, which is currently held by President SR Nathan.

Two days before his 87th birthday, Nathan had announced that he would step down when his second term ran out on Aug 31.

    

Among the five, four, including former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan, former Ayer Rajah member of parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock, former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian and former opposition member Tan Jee Say, have submitted applications for a certificate of eligibility to contest the election.

Another candidate, Andrew Kuan, has collected the forms.

Those interested have until Aug 6 to submit their application forms.

The Presidential Elections Committee will assess their applications and issue certificates to those it judges to be of integrity, good character and reputation, with the necessary experience for the post of elected president.

Nomination papers for the presidential election are now available for collection at the Elections Department during normal office hours, until nomination day.

Polling day is a public holiday.

- Bernama