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Singapore
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:27:19 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:27:19 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
f. Other
Comments: f) When necessary, the Minister charged with the responsibility for elections may appoint an Electoral Boundaries Review Committee to assist the Minister in the review of the delineation of the boundaries before a General Election.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:27:19 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-31 17:00:32 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Comments: C:5 "(2a) Unless the President, acting in his discretion, otherwise directs the Speaker in writing, a Bill seeking to amend this clause, Articles 17 to 22, 22a to 22o, 35, 65, 66, 69, 70, 93a, 94, 95, 105, 107, 110a, 110b, 151 or any provision in Part IV or XI shall not be passed by Parliament unless it has been supported at a national referendum by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered under the Parliamentary Elections Act. (3) In this article, "amendment" includes addition and repeal." C:6 "(1) There shall be (a) no surrender or transfer, either wholly or in part, of the sovereignty of the Republic of Singapore as an independent nation, whether by way of merger or incorporation with any other sovereign state or with any Federation, Confederation, country or territory or in any other manner whatsoever; and (b) no relinquishment of control over the Singapore Police Force or the Singapore Armed Forces, unless such surrender, transfer or relinquishment has been supported, at a national referendum, by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered under the Parliamentary Elections Act." C:8 "(1) A Bill for making an amendment to this Part shall not be passed by Parliament unless it has been supported, at a national referendum, by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered under the Parliamentary Elections Act."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 5, 6 and 8
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2a) (3) Constitution, article 8 (1) (2) Constitution, article 59 (2) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e), (3)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
Comments: Referendum for change of the Constitution, including addition to the Constitution
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2a) (3) Constitution, article 8 (1) (2) Constitution, article 59 (2) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e), (3)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-31 17:00:32 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-31 17:00:32 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 17:00:32 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 17:00:32 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
d. Legislature
e. Other (specify who)
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2A) Constitution, article 5A (1)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
b. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) (additional statement)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) Constitution, article 5A
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) Constitution, article 5A
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) Constitution, article 5A
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) Constitution, article 5A
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) Constitution, article 5A
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Source: Constitution,article 59 (2)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
g. Civil service
Source: Constitution, article 59 (3)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
d. Legislative majority
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2A) Constitution, article 5A (1)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
c. President
Source: Constitution, article 5A (1)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
e. Other (specify)
Source: Constutution, article 5A (2)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum if the referendum support by 2/3 of the total number of votes by electors registered
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Source: Constitution, article 5A (6)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:54:05 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
f. Other (specify)
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
b. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
b. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD86 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-07 17:59:18 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Elections Department, Prime Minister's Office
b. Full Address 11, Prinsep Link, Singapore 187949
c. Telephone 0065 6222 1808
d. Facsimile 0065 6332 3428
e. Email [email protected]
f. Website Address www.elections.gov.sg
h. Information Officer Ms Emilyn Yah, Manager (Public Education and Training)
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Comments: d) The Singapore election management body is the Elections Department which has control over its own budget.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
d. Other
Comments: d) Not applicable.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:23:50 UTC
Electoral Systems
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 14:37:53 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments: b) The Parliamentary Elections Act revised in 1989 and the Presidential Elections Act in 1999
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act; Presidential Elections Act
Last updated: 2006-11-20 09:56:37 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 14:37:53 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
b. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 14:37:53 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: b) Applies to free broadcast time.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:53:30 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising. However, it stipulates that in parliamentary election a candidate can not spend more than $ 3 per elector. Parliamentary Election Act, Third Schedule: "The maximum amount which a candidate at an election or his election agent can pay or incur on account of or in respect of the conduct or management of the election shall be — (a) in relation to a candidate at an election in any group representation constituency — an amount equal to $3 for each elector on the register for that constituency divided by the number of candidates in each group nominated for that election; or (b) in relation to any other candidate — an amount equal to $3 for each elector on the register."
Source: Election Department of Singapore website: http://www.election.gov.sg/organisation.htm - Parliamentary Election Act, Third Schedule (election expenses)
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:53:30 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
c. No
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:53:30 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 17:46:29 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
f. 10 or more days
Comments: Parliamentary Election Act, article 78C (1): "78C. —(1) No person shall publish or permit or cause to be published the results of any election survey during the period beginning with the day the writ of election is issued for an election and ending with the close of all polling stations on polling day at the election."
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 78C (1)
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:53:30 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
f. Other
Comments: f) The political party must be registered as a society under the Societies Act.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: e) Candidates for presidential elections must not be members of any political party.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
d. Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
Comments: a, d) Applies only to free media acces.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: Political parties may accept donations from permissible donors and donations of not more than 5000 SGD from anonymous donors under the Political Donations Act. Donations from foreign sources is impermissible.
Source: International IDEA Political Parties Database: http://www.idea.int/parties/finance/db/country_print.cfm?CountryCode=SG
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:45:00 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:50:09 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Comments: f) By request, if the difference between the contesting candidates with top two highest number of votes is two per cent or less of the total number of votes cast.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:50:09 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
i. Media
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:28:18 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:28:18 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
d. At specially designated polling stations
j. Other
Comments: d) For overseas voting. j) See (1A) below Parliamentary Elections Act, article 39: "39. —(1) Subject to subsections (1A) and (2A), no person shall be admitted to vote at any polling station except the polling station allotted to him. [19/2001] (1A) Where an elector for any electoral division is employed as a presiding officer, police officer, or in any other official capacity at a polling station within that division, and it is inconvenient for him to vote at the polling station in the division which has been allotted to him, the Returning Officer may authorise the elector, by a certificate under his hand, to vote at any other polling station in the division, and that polling station shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be the polling station allotted to that elector."
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, article 39; Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:37:28 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
f. Diplomatic staff
g. Other
Comments: b, c) if that person have been residing in Singapore for two years during the five years immediately preceding the election. Parliamentary Elections Act, article 13A: "13A. —(1) Any person who is entitled to have his name entered or retained in any register of electors for an electoral division and who — (a) is not resident in Singapore but has resided in Singapore for an aggregate of 2 years during the period of 5 years immediately preceding the prescribed date referred to in section 5; or (b) is — (i) a member of the Singapore Armed Forces on full-time training or service outside Singapore; (ii) a public officer or an employee of any public authority employed in full-time service outside Singapore; (iii) a public officer or an employee of a public authority on full-time training outside Singapore; (iv) a citizen of Singapore of not less than 21 years of age on full-time training outside Singapore that is sponsored by the Government or any public authority; (v) employed outside Singapore by an international organisation of which Singapore is a member or by any other body or organisation designated by the President under Article 135 (1) (c) (ii) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore; or (vi) the spouse or a parent, child or dependant of any person referred to in sub-paragraph (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) and is living with that person..."
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, article 13A
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:37:28 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
Comments: Parliamentary Elections Act, article 36A: "(2) The Returning Officer may, for the purposes of the poll at any election, approve the use of such premises within any embassy, High Commission, diplomatic mission or consulate of Singapore situated in any territory outside Singapore as he thinks practicable or suitable as an overseas polling station for overseas electors to cast their votes thereat."
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, article 36
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:37:28 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2006-12-14 18:47:37 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
d. By electronic voting machine
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, article 42, 50A
Last updated: 2006-12-14 18:47:37 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
f. 21
Comments: 21 years
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:35:04 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: e) Ordinary residence in Singapore as provided under section 5 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:35:04 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
e. Other
Comments: e) The Registration Office appointed under the Parliamentary Elections Act by the Minister charged with the responsibility for elections.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:35:04 UTC
VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
a. Yes
Comments: a) Any person who qualifies to be an elector is entitled to have his/her name entered or retained in a register of electors.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Last updated: 2007-01-25 15:35:04 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
