GE 2025: Singapore heads to the polls on May 3 amid “profound changes in the world”, says PM Wong

Key Concepts:

• General Election (GE) 2025
• Nomination Day
• Cooling-off Day
• Electoral Boundaries Report
• Group Representation Constituency (GRC)
• Single Member Constituency (SMC)
• Election Deposit
• Political Donation Certificate
• Foreign Interference
• Deepfakes
• Election Advertising

1. Election Announcement and Timeline:

• Singapore will hold a General Election on May 3rd.
• Prime Minister Lawrence Wong advised President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to dissolve parliament.
• Nomination Day is set for April 23rd, followed by nine days of campaigning.
• May 2nd is the cooling-off day.
• May 3rd, polling day, is a public holiday.
• PM Wong cited "profound changes" and "uncertainty and instability" in the world as reasons for the election.
• He emphasized the need for Singaporeans to choose the team to lead the nation.

2. Opposition Parties' Responses:

• The Workers' Party (WP) shared its new catchphrase, "Working for Singapore," emphasizing its commitment to representing a diverse population and working towards a "first world parliament."
• The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) highlighted its members' contributions in parliament over the past five years, with Leong Mun Wai stating the party is ready to engage voters.
• The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) criticized the short period between the release of the electoral boundaries report and the dissolution of parliament, calling it a "smash and grab tactic" by the ruling party.
• The People's Alliance for Reform (PAR)'s secretary-general, Lim Tean, stressed the importance of each vote.
• The Singapore People's Party (SPP) committed to serving Singaporeans and working towards a more equitable and inclusive nation.
• The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA)'s chairman, Desmond Lim, called the election a time for change.
• Red Dot United urged voters to reflect deeply on the kind of country Singapore wants to become.
• The People's Power Party (PPP) urged voters not to be swayed by the politics of fear.

3. Nomination Centers:

• Nine nomination centers will be set up across the island, each covering three to four constituencies.
• Key nomination centers and the constituencies they cover:
  • Jurong Pioneer Junior College: Bukit Gombak SMC, Chua Chu Kang GRC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC (where PM Lawrence Wong is contesting).
  • Methodist Girls' School: Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Bukit Panjang SMC, Marymount SMC.
  • Nan Hua High School: Jurong Central SMC, Pioneer SMC, Jurong East GRC, West Coast GRC.
  • Bendemeer Primary School: Queenstown SMC, Radin Mas SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC.
  • Deyi Secondary School: Ang Mo Kio GRC (where Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is expected to file his candidacy), Jalan Kayu SMC, Kebun Baru SMC, Yio Chu Kang SMC.
  • Po Ching School: Aljunied GRC (where Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh is expected to be), Sengkang GRC, Hougang SMC.
  • Kong Hwa School: Jalan Besar GRC, Marine Parade GRC, Mountbatten SMC, Potong Pasir SMC.
  • Chongfu School: Nee Soon GRC, Sembawang GRC, Yio Chu Kang SMC.
  • Yusof Ishak Secondary School: East Coast GRC, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Sengkang GRC.

4. Nomination Process:

• Prospective candidates must submit a series of forms and certificates.
• The process can be done online through the Elections Department website.
• Required documents:
  • Nomination Paper: Names and NRIC numbers of candidates, proposer, seconder, and at least four assenters, and the constituency they are contesting. Minority candidates in a GRC must obtain a certificate from the respective community committees.
  • Election Deposit: $13,500 (same as in 2020), payable online before noon on Nomination Day. This deposit is forfeited if candidates garner less than 1/8 of the votes.
  • Political Donation Certificate: Candidates must report donations of $10,000 or more from the same donor in any calendar year and are not allowed to receive anonymous amounts beyond $5,000.
• Other details: Appointing an election agent, disclosing foreign affiliations, and submitting a photo for the ballot paper.
• Nomination papers must be submitted in person to the returning officer between 11:00 a.m. and noon on Nomination Day. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
• Objections to nominations can be made from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

5. Campaigning and Restrictions:

• The 9-day campaign blitz starts after nominations close on April 23rd and ends on May 2nd (cooling-off day).
• New laws ban deepfakes of candidates during the election period.
• Digitally generated or manipulated online election advertising content that misrepresents a candidate's speech or actions is prohibited.
• New banners, flags, and posters that could be seen as election advertising are not allowed before the start of the campaign period.
• The list of declared banners, flags, and posters will be published on the Elections Department website (ELD).
• Walkabouts and house visits do not need a permit from the police if they are done to meet and greet residents, but must not be an explicit demonstration of support or opposition.
• Only Singapore citizens can participate in elections and campaigning.
• Candidates cannot solicit foreign support for their campaigns.

6. Foreign Interference:

• The regulations regarding political donations and foreign affiliations are designed to counter possible foreign interference and hostile information campaigns.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The upcoming General Election in Singapore on May 3rd is being held amidst global uncertainty. The nomination process requires candidates to fulfill specific requirements, including submitting nomination papers, paying an election deposit, and obtaining a political donation certificate. Campaigning is subject to restrictions, including a ban on deepfakes and regulations against foreign interference. The election outcome will determine the team that will lead Singapore in the face of global challenges.