 Potential presidential candidates are vetted by an unelected three @-@ member Presidential Elections Committee ( " PEC " ) . The PEC is not constitutionally obliged to give reasons behind its decisions to award or deny a certificate of eligibility . Its decision is not subject to legal or political scrutiny , and its verdict is final . There has been criticism of how Andrew Kuan , who applied to be a candidate in the 2005 presidential election , was denied a certificate of eligibility . Before the PEC could reach a decision on the matter , he was reportedly discredited though statements from various people which were published in the media that alleged incompetence and cast doubt on his character . Subsequently , Kuan was denied a certificate , the PEC stating that his seniority and responsibility as the Jurong Town Corporation 's Group Chief Financial Officer were not comparable to the experience of a chairman or chief executive officer of a statutory board or a company with a paid @-@ up capital of at least $ 100 million , as required by the Constitution . There is no legal requirement for the PEC to interview prospective candidates , and it did not do so to allow Kuan to explain his side of the story . As a result , the unopposed incumbent S.R. Nathan was declared the President for a second term . 
