As the presidential election hots up, here is a guide to the elected presidency and the duties of the office,Under the Constitution, the president is head of state and the symbol of national unity, and presides over important national events, such as the National Day Parade and the opening of Parliament.The president stands above party politics and therefore cannot be a member of a political party.
The Constitution requires the president to act on the Cabinet’s advice in exercising his functions, except in specific areas where the Constitution empowers the president to act in his discretion. On the international front, the president represents Singapore in accordance with the country’s foreign policy and advice of the Government. He is not allowed to pursue a different foreign policy.The president must be, and be seen to be, politically neutral. He has no independent political role, and must not get involved in political or controversial issues in order to stay above the political fray.