What a difference 7269 make

Singaporeans decided on Saturday that Dr Tony Tan will be President come 1 September 2011.

Here's the final tally:

• Dr Tony Tan (TT): 744,397 (35.19%)
• Dr Tan Cheng Bock (TCB): 737128 (34.85%)
• Mr Tan Jee Say (TJS): 529,732 (25.04%)
• Mr Tan Kin Lian (TKL): 103,931 (4.9%)

Image courtesy of http://news.insing.com

I guess this myopic nation realised that a pair of glasses was more important than having shade, a heart or a happy hand.

It was indeed a close race to the finish and I think PE2011 sent a strong signal to the ruling party: Many Singaporeans have roused from the slumber in the poppy field and will now challenge the authoritarian style of old-school indoctrination. We will no longer sit around and wait to be told what to do.

Anything can happen within the next 5 years before the General Elections and that's why PM Lee and his team must scrutinise every policy, every message and every communication that they roll out to win over the hearts and minds of Singaporeans.

Even then, there'll always be 25% who'll remain defiant and staunchly opposed to the current ruiling People's Action Party (PAP), as proven by Tan Jee Say's credible showing of 25.04%. For a relatively newcomer to politics, his 1/4 slice of the pie is worth taking note of. Of course he has his fair share of detractors, many Tan Cheng Bock fans who blame him for snatching away what they perceive to be votes from non-Tony Tan supporters.

Indeed, when Tan Jee Say received the Certificate of Eligibility to contest, many pro-opposition Singaporeans  rallied around to drum up support and encouragement. So while some may view this negatively, I believe this gave many others a choice they'd be more comfortable with rather than being forced to pick another they didn't care for.

Tony Tan is set to become Singapore's 7th Head of State. He's got an uphill task knowing that he marginally won with just 35%. Which means 65% Singaporeans didn't choose him and when the next PE rolls round, he could lose the job altogether if the nation doesn't think he deserves it.

All the best Dr Tony Tan. You've got a long road ahead of you.