Singapore gets first woman president without a vote

Singapore: Halimah Yacob became on Wednesday the first woman President of Singapore, being the only candidate who met the requirements for the presidential elections.

However, Yacob's selection was overshadowed by criticism that it was undemocratic to give her the top post without a vote.

Yacob, a 63-year-old Muslim of Malay descent, will take her oath of office on Thursday in a ceremony due to be held in Istana, the presidential residence and office, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's office said.