Elections Department issues reminders on campaigning rules

Singapore

ORGANISATIONS planning to participate in election campaigning and political activities must ensure that their constitution allows them to do so, the Elections Department said on Wednesday.

These activities - whether by civic, business or professional groups - could include endorsing certain candidates, publishing advertisements or issuing press statements in support of one or more candidates.

Advertisements or statements amounting to election advertising will have to comply with the relevant rules under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Elections Department added.

Its advisory comes after Swami (Sunshine Welfare Action Mission) Home, a voluntary welfare organisation, was found to have breached its constitution by hosting a press conference by the People's Action Party (PAP) on Aug 14, when it introduced its candidates for Sembawang GRC.

The Elections Department said it remains the right of individuals to freely decide whom to support and how to cast their vote, regardless of membership in an organisation.

The department further reminded the public that anyone who engages in activities to promote a candidate should be individually authorised in writing by the candidate or his election agent on and from Nomination Day. Non-Singapore citizens are barred from taking part in any election activity, and so cannot be authorised.

At the same briefing on Wednesday, the police introduced two new conditions for the granting of permits for election rallies.

To ensure public safety, central executive committee members and candidates of political parties will not be allowed to speak at rallies held by other political parties.

The faces of speakers who are on stage also cannot be concealed, to ensure that the rallies are conducted in a dignified manner and for public accountability.