GE quick takes: Candidates shouldn't chant party slogans; WP highlights gender wage gap

SINGAPORE will go to the polls on July 10 in an election that will see all 93 seats in 31 constituencies contested.

Here is Monday's round-up of stories about the General Election (GE):

PM Lee: Opposition parties silent on tackling Covid-19, economic crisis

Opposition parties have had nothing to say about tackling the Covid-19 pandemic or getting Singapore out of this historic downturn - the very issues that are at the heart of this GE, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday, during the digital equivalent of the People's Action Party's (PAP) customary lunchtime rally at Fullerton Square.

Help given to persons with disabilities to enable them to vote independently, says ELD

Assistance will be given to people with disabilities to enable them to vote independently in the election on Friday. For example, a portable booth that can be placed on their laps is available for wheelchair users for them to mark their ballot papers.

Political parties and candidates should not shout or chant party slogans to avoid spreading Covid-19

The Elections Department (ELD) on Monday told political parties and candidates not to engage in shouting or chanting party slogans during campaigning to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In a statement, ELD said it has been alerted to such incidents across the parties recently and crowds were observed to have gathered without safe distancing of at least one metre as a result.

Ministers defend government's handling of Covid-19 crisis

The government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic came to the fore during the sixth day of the election campaign on Sunday, with at least three ministers commenting on the issue. National Development Minister Lawrence Wong rebutted earlier allegations by Singapore Democratic Party chairman Paul Tambyah that the government's multi-ministry Covid-19 task force did not rely on medical experts in its battle against the virus.

WP using fear of opposition wipe-out to win seats, says Heng Swee Keat

At a time when Singapore needs its strongest possible leadership, the Workers' Party (WP) is using the prospect of an opposition wipe-out to sway voters and win more seats in Parliament, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Sunday.

PSP chief Tan Cheng Bock to join SDA's Desmond Lim on walkabout

The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) is roping in friends from the PSP for its campaign in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, a constituency seeing its first-ever three-cornered fight. SDA president Desmond Lim said Dr Tan Cheng Bock, who leads the PSP, will be making an appearance in the group representation constituency during the SDA's afternoon walkabout on Monday.

WP candidate apologises for posts allegedly promoting enmity between different groups

WP Sengkang candidate Raeesah Khan apologised on Sunday for two Facebook posts said to allege police discrimination against minorities. At an unplanned press conference the party called on Sunday night, the 26-year-old said she did not mean to cause social division, but had made the remarks as she wanted to raise awareness about minority concerns.

WP highlights gender wage gap at e-rally

The WP wants more done to address the gender wage gap and to help older women who find it difficult to retire because much of their labour went unpaid, its candidates said in the party's fifth e-rally on Sunday night.

For more of our Singapore GE2020 coverage, go to bt.sg/ge2020