Presidential Elections in Singapore

Yet another uncontested election in Singapore. Opposition critics will say that this is yet another sign of the incumbent electorate manipulating the system to ensure that the status quo is maintained. While this may be a possibility, a more interesting debate would be to examine the nature of politics in Singapore and the reason why capable people seem to be shying from participating - at the highest level.

My own guess would be that there is simply too much to lose trying to go up against a government-backed candiate and thus decide not to. However such a situation is worrying - if this mindset persists on in the next generation.

Competency and character are two important hallmarks of any capable leader... unfortunately the very nature of politics these days is sometimes a public relations exercise more than any other (read: US elections). As such, phenomenon is often mistaken for essence, container mistaken for content and form takes precedence over substance.

I personally do not foresee a optimistic future ahead.