When Singapore became an independent nation-state in 1965, the President carried out mainly ceremonial and community duties. The 1990 Constitutional Amendment enlarged the President's powers to include a constitutional duty to safeguard national reserves and the integrity of the public service. Instead of being appointed by Parliament, the President was to be elected by popular vote. Today, the elected presidency is a 32-year-old institution and is still evolving. The Role of Singapore's Elected President offers a glimpse at the beginnings of the office of the elected presidency and tracks the legacy and defining moments of Singapore's elected presidents.