GE quick takes: SDA calls for stricter hiring of foreigners; PSP seeks full disclosure on reserves

SINGAPORE will go to the polls on July 10 in an election that will see 93 seats in 31 constituencies up for contest.

Here is Friday's round-up of stories about the General Election:

PAP says Chee Soon Juan should admit SDP campaign is based on false claim

The People's Action Party (PAP) said the election campaign of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is pointless now that a key plank of its campaign has been proven false: the "No to 10 million population", which is part of the SDP's Four Yes, One No campaign slogan.

SDA calls for lower GST, stricter hiring of foreigners

The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) has launched a website that sets out its manifesto for the election. The party's key priorities are: Lower the goods and services tax to 3 per cent for essential items, tackle social inequality, tweak the Central Provident Fund scheme and stiffen the qualifying criteria for hiring foreign professionals.

Liang Eng Hwa to head Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council if elected

Liang Eng Hwa will take over as chairman of the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council if the PAP retains the two constituencies it serves. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is leading the incumbent team contesting Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, told the media that Mr Liang is a natural choice to replace Teo Ho Pin, who is retiring from politics.

More good jobs and better life for all Singaporeans: Heng

Singapore under the PAP in the next five years will see efforts stepped up to transform and grow the economy to make it more innovative and resilient, the party said on Thursday night.

PSP will fight for full disclosure on use of reserves: Tan Cheng Bock

If given seats in the House, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) will ask tough questions of the ruling PAP and serve as a check on how the government is stewarding Singapore's reserves, PSP chief Tan Cheng Bock said.

PAP does not need all elected seats to have mandate to govern: Pritam

A complete dominance of Parliament by one party could allow a tiny number of people to control everything, according to the Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh. Having WP MPs in Parliament will hence help to safeguard Singapore and protect the country against such a scenario, he said in a televised speech on Thursday night.

Economy, NCMP-vs-elected MP debate at front and centre on third day of campaigning

Two vastly different issues - economic concerns and elected representation - dominated the discourse on Thursday, the third day of campaigning. This duality was clear not just in the first round of party political broadcasts on national TV and radio, but also the parties' numerous online videos and media interviews on the ground.

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