Presidential elections in Singapore: whither the ‘integrity, good character and reputation’ requirement?

A person who wishes to run in a Presidential election in Singapore must, among other things, first satisfy the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) that he/she is a ‘person of integrity, good character and reputation’. Mr Tan Kin Lian’s bid for the Presidency in 2023 – which was coloured by questionable social media posts he had previously made – has rejuvenated debates about this requirement, and raised questions about the PEC’s precise role in conducting background research on candidates, the precise meaning of ‘integrity, good character and reputation’, and the inferences that a voter can properly draw from the fact that a candidate has received a Certificate of Eligibility from the PEC. This note chronicles this incident, unpacks the issues just mentioned, and suggests possible reforms to the law.