Decoding the Tharman effect: an analysis of youth voting considerations in presidential election 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the apparent contradiction between the progressive inclinations of young voters and their support for Mr. Shanmugaratnam, the PAP-backed candidate during the 2023 Presidential Elections in Singapore. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach of surveys and interviews, the study reveals that while youth voters express a strong preference for political pluralism and electoral fairness, their voting decisions were primarily influenced by valence considerations. These considerations included the credibility, experience, and public image of the candidates. Thus, despite their progressive ideals, youth voters prioritized these practical attributes when casting their votes, leading to their support for the PAP-endorsed candidate.