SINGAPORE: President S R Nathan has submitted his eligibility application form to run for a second term as President, ending months of speculation over his plans.
This was submitted on his behalf by lawyer and grassroots leader Mr Toh Weng Cheong at the Elections Department on Tuesday.
Mr Toh was also the man who sent in Mr Nathan's application form for the 1999 Presidential Election.
Mr Nathan, who turned 81 on 3 July, became Singapore's third Elected President when he won the election without a contest in 1999.
His current six-year term in office ends on 31 August.
Now that he has submitted his application form, all eyes will be on the announcement of the date for Nomination Day, which will come in the Writ of Election to be issued by the Prime Minister.
Altogether, 17 application forms have been collected from the Elections Department since 31 May, and one returned on Monday bringing the total submission to two.
These forms, which will be processed by the Presidential Elections Committee, are for the certificate of eligibility which will state if the applicant is of integrity, good character and reputation.
All candidates need this certificate to contest the election.
In May this year, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong himself had said he hoped Mr Nathan would run for a second term.
Mr Goh said: "He has done a very good job. If his health allows it, if he's fit and healthy, he would continue to make a good President." - CNA/ir