GE2015: Elections Department issues advisory for organisations planning to participate in campaigning, political activities

[SINGAPORE] Organisations that are planning to participate in election campaigning and political activities will have to ensure that their constitutions allow them to do so, said the Elections Department on Wednesday.

These activities could include endorsing certain candidates, publishing advertisements or issuing press statements to express support for a candidate.

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

It remains the right of each individual as voter to freely decide whom to support and how to cast his vote, regardless of his membership to an organisation, it added.

The police also on Wednesday introduced two new conditions to obtain permits for election meetings.

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

Those on stage will also not be allowed to conceal their faces, to ensure that the rallies are conducted in a dignified manner and for public accountability.

Read more about the coming Singapore General Election here.