CNA Explains: Could Singapore get its first World Court judge? What is at stake in the Nov 3 UN vote

“All states, big or small, old or young, are treated as sovereign equals before the court,” he said, referring to the ICJ.

In that light, the coming vote for a coveted spot on the ICJ is one to watch, analysts told CNA.

Singapore’s candidate Lee, who is also the country’s Ambassador for International Law, is one of 10 candidates vying for five contested seats on the Peace Palace bench in The Hague for the 2027 to 2036 term.

Her candidature was first announced in 2024, and she was formally nominated in 2026.

Should she win, she would make history as the first female ICJ judge from Southeast Asia and one of the first women from a small nation to serve on the court.

“This (outcome would be) a very significant – and, from my perspective, a welcome, if not historic, development,” said Associate Professor Vincent-Joël Proulx from the National University of Singapore’s faculty of law. 

The decision to enter the race reflects Singapore’s record of championing the rule of law through multilateralism, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the observance of international law, observers said.

“By providing its expertise in international law and dispute resolution through its candidate, Singapore would not only further champion peaceful dispute resolution and a rules-based multilateral community of states, but also contribute to enhancing the consistency, stability, and predictability of international law,” said Assoc Prof Proulx.

Singapore’s willingness to participate in ICJ’s electoral process, despite the considerable campaigning and lobbying resources involved, shows the country’s confidence in international law institutions, he added.