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| Singapore Presidential Candidates |
They were responding to talk that only one candidate should stand against former deputy prime minister Tony Tan to prevent a dilution of votes.
Presidential hopefuls Mr Tan Kin Lian, Mr Tan Jee Say and Dr Tan Cheng Bock were speaking to reporters after collecting their Certificates of Eligibility at the Elections Department on Friday.
They also said the election should not be seen as a race between the opposition and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
Mr Tan Kin Lian said he plans to submit his papers on Nomination Day. However he hinted that anything can still happen from now till Nomination Day on 17 August.
He also appealed to Singaporeans to be non-partisan when they head to the polls.
He said: "Most of the people are looking at whether you're in the PAP camp or in the opposition camp. But my platform is to be above politics, because I'm appealing to all Singaporeans - regardless of which political party you're (affiliated to) - to think about the future for Singapore."
When asked about the NTUC-affiliated unions endorsing Dr Tony Tan as their preferred presidential candidate, the former NTUC Income chief would only say he has been active in the grassroots movement and the trade unions.
Also speaking to reporters was Mr Tan Jee Say. He said his views as "non-PAP" are shared by many in society and even among those within the PAP.
"Who is the best person to provide the checks and balances that will fulfil the mission and objective of an elected president? That is what the voters of Singapore should think for themselves and consider very seriously, not PAP versus opposition - that is the wrong way to go about it," said Mr Tan Jee Say.
As for Dr Tan Cheng Bock, he said he stands a good chance in the election.
The former Member of Parliament said he has no plans to back down and is confident of running a good race.
He said: "I have already fought six general elections. I know my Mandarin is not that good, but I have to say my Hokkien is not bad. So I have been campaigning in the past using English, Hokkien, a little bit of Mandarin and also some Malay and it has taken me very far."
But Dr Tan Cheng Bock said he is open to talks with the two Mr Tans.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock also said the position of the president is apolitical. He explained: "If any of us is really seen to be affiliated to any political group, then I think, how are you going to play that role of unifying people?"
Dr Tony Tan was also at the Elections Department to collect his eligibility certificate.
Some 40 supporters greeted him and his wife when they arrived at the Prinsep Link premises.
Among the supporters were members from the Sembawang Shipyard Employees' Union (SSEU), which had endorsed Dr Tony Tan as its preferred presidential candidate.
Also present were some NTUC Income employees who turned up in their private capacity as well as several members of the public.
Speaking to reporters after collecting his certificate, Dr Tony Tan said the economic uncertainties in the US and Europe are stark reminders of the major responsibilities of Singapore's Elected President.
He said: "Should the policymakers be unable to resolve these issues, this economic crisis will affect Asia and Singapore."
He added that he is confident that come election day on 27 August, Singaporeans will make an informed choice on who will be best able to execute the custodial responsibilities of the Elected Presidency.
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