Next election shaping up to be a unique one in Singapore's history

THERE is a little over 12 months to go before Singapore reaches the constitutional deadline to conduct its next general election (GE). Realistically, there are only a few windows left in the current parliamentary term to carry out the poll that could involve around 2.6 million eligible voters. To compound matters, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has scuppered the plans of all political parties here as they gear up for the big day.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said recently that the coronavirus outbreak could last for a year and possibly longer. On Tuesday in Parliament, his deputy Heng Swee Keat said the Covid-19 fight would be over "perhaps within a year or two".

What this means is the election is almost sure to take place when Singapore is still dealing with the disruption caused by the virus. There have been concerns among the electorate about the timing of the GE, and how such a major exercise can be carried out smoothly and safely for voters, candidates and election officials.