By Murray Hiebert

Singapore voters sent another strong signal to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) during the surprisingly competitive presidential elections on August 27 that they want more than politics as usual in the city-state.

Tony Tan, 71, who was widely seen as the PAP’s preferred candidate, barely survived a challenge from three other candidates, and was declared a winner only after a recount with only 7,269 votes more than his nearest competitor.

The results, in which two-thirds of the electorate voted against the winner, seemed to suggest that Singaporeans wanted more public debate on the issues facing the country as housing, immigration, and the growing income gap. Internet and social-media savvy Singaporeans seemed interested in the arguments of Tan’s opponents that they would provide some checks on the government’s powers, even if Singapore’s president doesn’t have a formal policy role.

In a news conference hours after his victory, Tan thanked those who voted for his opponents “for your investment in our growing democracy.”  He added that the increased political interest among Singaporeans would “make the process of governing a little more difficult. Decision-making may be a bit slower, but that’s the maturing of our democracy, civil society, and politics.”

The presidential election followed parliamentary elections in May in which the PAP’s share of the popular vote dropped to 60%, its poorest showing since independence in 1965, and lost an unprecedented six seats in the Parliament. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong responded by reshuffling his cabinet and promising to address issues like increasing housing costs.

Tan’s biggest challenge came from Tan Cheng Bock, also 71, who lost by a surprisingly narrow 0.34 percent. Tan Cheng Bock is a former PAP parliamentarian who is known for his independent views. Tan Jee Say, a former investment advisor and former member of the opposition Singapore Democratic Party who had pledged to use the presidency to challenge the government if he won, received 25% of the votes. His relatively strong showing suggests that many Singaporeans wanted more dramatic political change.

Tony Tan, who had stepped down from his post as executive director of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation to run for the presidency, was quick to pledge to work for all of Singapore’s citizens. As a former deputy prime minister and a minister in a raft of other government posts, Tan said he would have only a “short” learning curve to fulfill his role as president, which includes custodial power over the country’s financial reserves and top civil service appointments.

Without a doubt Singaporeans have been increasingly politicized during the last two elections. Analysts will now watch whether the PAP government launches other reforms to open up the political environment for more lively debate and give people a little more say in how the country is run.

Murray Hiebert is a senior fellow and deputy director of the CSIS Southeast Asia Program.