Presidential Election - A two horse race

 A dark horse in Kin Lian hoping to turn the apple cart against a PAP candidate in Tharman, and Tharman trying to whitewash himself as an independent. A 4 horse race turning into a 3 horse race and eventually becoming a 2 horse race would be the biggest strategic mistake in not qualifying George Goh. It would be like the GE in Hougang/Aljunied, telling the people that they would suffer another 5 years if they voted WP. Now Kin Lian really stands a chance to beat the odds. Without Kin Lian, it would be very convenient to disqualify George Goh to pave the way for Tharman. But with Kin Lian throwing in his hat, it was unwise not to let all horses run to favour Tharman.

Many did not see it positively for Kin Lian to join the race when there were already 3 candidates offering themselves. Kin Lian was seen as a spoiler. Many would not be convinced by his reason that he was in just in case George Goh was disqualified and he could become the standby candidate.  Kin Lian's offer to step down should both he and George were to qualify were not taken seriously.

What is happening now has vindicated Kin Lian's position and those wanting a non PAP backed president would have Kin Lian to thank for. Can you imagine if there is no Kin Lian in the ring, it would be Kok Song versus Tharman now. The fight is now more interesting and the people has a real choice of a non PAP backed candidate as the next president.

The lack of rallies may turn out to favour Kin Lian if he can harness the support of the opposition parties to walk the grounds to persuade the voters to vote for him. This is something that would not be available to Kok Song. When all the opposition parties turn out carrying Kin Lian's photos and cheering for him, it would become a movement to challenge the PAP's dominance and a challenge to Tharman as the next PAP backed president. The voters can also see how the opposition parties would act in a time like this, whether they are real or fake, for the people or for the PAP.

If all the opposition parties, including their leaders like Tan Cheng Bock and Pritam Singh would to say they are behind Kin Lian and rally their parties behind him, it would make a real difference.  Would Hsien Yang also chip in to support Kin Lian? Or would personal selfish interest in the opposition camp still be the stumbling block in the way to prevent a united front to challenge PAP's single party dominance and rule?  A united opposition for Kin Lian will force the issue on the PAP to go all out to support Tharman, like the kind of support for George Yeo in Hougang/Aljunied. The result can be exhilarating.

All three candidates are over qualified many times for the job. You don't need a rocket scientist to boil a kettle of water. Their qualifications and experience are overkilled for the job. The crucial and deciding factor is what the voters want, who they want to be their EP.

Can you imagine if all the unpopular big wigs in PAP were to speak up for Tharman? Would it be a plus or a negative point?

Let me make a guess on the numbers. 30% hard core anti PAP  would vote against Tharman. 20% of every ethnic group would vote base on race. This is not racism but human nature affinity. There will be 10% of voters that for one reason or another, dislike a candidate. There will be 30% hardcore PAP supporters for Tharman, and a remaining 10% swing voters. If Kok Song cannot make his presence felt, and become irrelevant in the race, Tharman may have a real problem.