Singapore's first reserved Presidential Election has resulted in a walkover for its former Speaker of Parliament. Miro Lu has the story.

Singapore's former Speaker of Parliament Mdm Halimah Yacob was declared President on Wednesday, after the nation's first reserved Presidential Election resulted in a walkover. She was the only candidate found eligible by the Presidential Committee, who denied applications of two other Presidential hopefuls. The two others, businessmen Farid Khan and Salleh Marican, did not meet key criteria set for Presidential Candidates.

MIRO LU, SINGAPORE Although Singaporeans respect Mdm Halimah's public service as former Minister of State and Speaker of Parliament, many hoped to exercise their right to vote in the Presidential Election.

C MANOHARAN HALIMAH'S SUPPORTER If there's a contest, it would be better because that shows how she is well supported by Singaporeans by and large.

It's the first time in Singapore's history that only members of the Malay Community - which is about 13 percent of its population - were eligible to run for presidency. After being declared President, Mdm Halimah thanked Singaporeans for their support. She added that while some had doubts about the reserved election, she would continue to serve Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion.

HALIMAH YACOB, SINGAPOREAN PRESIDENT Although this is a reserved election, I am not a reserved president. I am a president for everyone.

Political researcher Dr Gillian Koh said while some view democracy as an open contest that should not be restricted by race or eligibility, others saw the reserved elections as a symbol of multiculturalism.

DR. GILLIAN KOH, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES It's a unique system that not all Singaporeans right off the bat support. It's a controversial one because it comes against the more common idea of a democracy and an election. But over time as Mdm Halimah Yacob acquits herself well, and over time as we try to understand what it means to ensure a minimum guarantee of representation in all our key offices in Singapore then I'm sure everyone who was not too sure if they could support such a system will gradually come round to the idea.

Dr Koh added that Mdm Halimah is a savvy politician who will know if there are special quarters among the Singaporean public she must reach out to and win over. Mdm Halimah will be sworn in as President on Thursday. Miro Lu, CGTN, Singapore.