UPDATE 2 - Tharman Shanmugaratnam elected Singapore’s 9th president

UPDATES WITH POLL RESULTS, ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Tharman Shanmugaratnam was on Friday elected as Singapore’s ninth president after securing a landslide victory.

The former deputy prime minister, 66, received a thumping 70.4% of the vote, while Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15.72% and 13.88%, respectively, the Elections Department said.

“I declare Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the candidate duly elected as the president of Singapore,” said election returning officer Tan Meng Dui.

Tharman, who has served in key roles within the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has ruled Singapore since 1959, said he was "humbled by the strong endorsement."

"I believe the vote for me and what I stood for is a vote of confidence in Singapore itself, a vote of optimism in how we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," Shanmugaratnam said.

“It will be my duty to use the roles and responsibilities of the president to help us advance this future of optimism and solidarity.

"I will honor your trust in me, and serve you with all my heart in the years to come."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Shanmugaratnam, saying said Singaporeans have chosen him as the president by a "decisive margin."

"As Head of State, he will represent us at home and abroad, and exercise custodial powers, including over the reserves and key appointments," he said, adding: "I have every confidence that he will carry out his duties as President with distinction."

About 2.5 million Singaporeans voted in election for the presidency, a largely ceremonial post, but regarded as the highest office.

Outgoing President Halimah Yacob, also a former ruling party member, was the sole candidate for the last election six years ago.

The first presidential election in the city-state was held on Aug. 28, 1993.