Info
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Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (revised 2011) Article 9
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: http://sfp.so/en/
Source: article 14 regulations of political parties and party law no. 14/2000
Verified: 2016/11/02
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
i . No information available
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (revised 2011) Article 9, 20A
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
c . Number of registered voters
Comments:
Source: http://www.somalilandforum.com/somaliland/law/the_election_bill.htm#Commission
Verified: 2016/11/02
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The National Independent Electoral Commission will be in charge of the delimitation of constituencies and wards.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act (revised 2011) Article 9, 20A
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
a . Changes in number of total population b . Changes in numbers of eligible voters c . Changes in numbers of registered voters d . Changes in distribution of total population g . Changes in administrative boundaries h . Change in government j . National census
Comments:
Source: http://www.somalilandforum.com/somaliland/law/the_election_bill.htm#Commission
Verified: 2016/11/02
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: There shall be a President of Singapore who shall be the Head of State.
Where the total number of overseas electors lawfully entitled to vote at the election is less than the difference between the number of votes given to the candidates with the second greatest number of votes, the Returning Officer shall declare the candidate to whom the greatest number of votes is given to be elected.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 17: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017);
The Presidential Elections Act, Art. 32 (8D): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The President shall appoint as Prime Minister a Member of Parliament who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the Members of Parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 25: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There shall be a President of Singapore who shall be the Head of State.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 17 - 22: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The legislative power of Singapore shall be vested in the Legislature which shall consist of the President and Parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 39: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP) j . Other
Comments: The Parliament is formed by elected and nominated members. Some members are elected by first-past-the-post system in single-member constituencies, whereas other members are elected by party block vote from closed party lists, representing multi-member constituencies.
9 members shall be appointed by the President and the remaining 9 members shall be chosen from candidates of a political party or parties not forming the Government.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 39: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 22, 27: (2013)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/11/28
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en; (2017)
Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: b) The Parliamentary Elections Act revised in 2011 and the Presidential Elections Act in 2011
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;orderBy=relevance;query=Type%3Aareved%20Content%3Aelectoral;rec=0;resUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fstatutes.agc.gov.sg%2Faol%2Fsearch%2Fsummary%2Fresults.w3p%3BorderBy%3Drelevance%3Bquery%3DType%253Aareved%2520Content%253Aelectoral;whole=yes#legis
Presidential Elections Act: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=DocId%3A%225c0a8dd1-d51c-46cb-bea8-df43695fd105%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0 (2015)
Verified: 2015/09/10
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: The National Electoral Law covers elections to the National Legislature only. Separate legislation exists for presidential elections.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law
Comments: 43/26. 2. The Returning Officer shall, at the close of each election, prepare a list of the numbers, names and descriptions as stated in the register of electors of such electors as have failed to vote at the election and certify the list under his hand.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 43: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act, Art. 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: At the conclusion of the hearing of an application under section 90, the Election Judge shall determine whether the Member whose return or election is complained of, or any other and what person, was duly returned or elected, or whether the election was void, and shall certify such determination to the President.
All proceedings relating to the election of the President shall be heard and determined by the Chief Justice or by a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice for that purpose.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 93A (1, 2): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017);
Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 61: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The Elections Department of Singapore (ELD) is a department under the Prime Minister’s Office. It has the responsibility of planning and preparing for, and managing the conduct of Presidential and Parliamentary elections and of any national referenda in Singapore.
Source: Official Website of the Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg/about.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister c . The legislature
Comments: The Elections Department of Singapore (ELD) is a department under the Prime Minister’s Office. The Elections Department (ELD) is responsible for planning and preparing for, and managing the conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections and of any national referendum in Singapore. The department has under its purview the Registry of Political Donations, which administers the Political Donations Act (PDA). The objective of the PDA is to prevent foreign interference in the domestic politics of Singapore through funding.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister:
http://www.pmo.gov.sg/about-prime-ministers-office (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The Singapore election management body is the Elections Department which has control over its own budget. Expenses are reported to the Singapore Ministry of Finance.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Finance, Budget Division:
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2015/AboutTheBudgetProcess.aspx (2017)
Prime Minister's office budget breakdown FY2015
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/data/budget_2015/download/47%20PMO%202015.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments: The Elections Department has a full-time staff establishment of about 28 officers, supported by a team of IT personnel. However, during the conduct of Presidential election, Parliamentary election or national referendum, ELD’s ranks swell to meet the challenge of steering the thousands of public sector employees engaged in the actual conduct of the election or referendum.
Source: Singapore Department of Elections:
http://www.eld.gov.sg/about_structure.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Electoral Department is administered by the Prime Minister's office. As such, it is a government agency.
Source: Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg/about.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: ELD has a full-time staff establishment of about 28 officers, supported by a team of IT personnel. However, during the conduct of Presidential election, Parliamentary election or national referendum, ELD’s ranks swell to meet the challenge of steering the thousands of public sector employees engaged in the actual conduct of the election or referendum.
Source: Singapore Elections Department:
http://www.eld.gov.sg/about_structure.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg/about_structure.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg/about_structure.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body i . Media
Comments: Singapore Elections Department develops and maintains voter education programmes to promote public understanding and awareness of our electoral system and voting processes. Media are involved in the process.
Source: Singapore Elections Department:
http://www.eld.gov.sg/about.html (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: Legislation does not provide for any mandatory civic education campaigns.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017);
Official Website of the Singapore Elections Department: http://www.eld.gov.sg (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
f . 21
Comments: Any person who on the prescribed date in any year is a citizen of Singapore; is ordinarily resident in Singapore; and is not less than 21 years of age,shall be entitled to have his/her name entered or retained in a register of electors in that year.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 5 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: Any person who on the prescribed date in any year is a citizen of Singapore; is ordinarily resident in Singapore; and is not less than 21 years of age,shall be entitled to have his/her name entered or retained in a register of electors in that year.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 5 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: Registration Officer with assistance from the Commissioner of National Registration.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: For each election, the Registration Officer shall prepare a separate register of electors for each electoral division and shall enter in the register the names of all persons who are qualified.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: Any person eligible for election as a Member of Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution may be nominated as a candidate for election.
A person may be nominated to be a candidate for election only by means of a nomination paper which shall be signed by a proposer and a seconder, and 4 or more persons as assentors, each of whom must be a person whose name appears in the register of electors for the electoral division in which the person seeks election.
Any political party that desires to contest in any election in any group representation constituency shall consist of such number of candidates as designated for that constituency by the President.
At least one of the candidates in every group shall be a person belonging to the Malay community or a person belonging to the Indian or other minority communities.
A candidate, or some person on his behalf, shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Returning Officer or with some person authorised by the Returning Officer in that behalf, a sum equal to 8% of the total allowances payable to a Member of Parliament in the preceding calendar year, rounded to the nearest $500.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 27, 27A, 27B, 28: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system.
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Verified: 2007/01/25
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration i . Minimum level of literacy
Comments: A person shall be qualified to be elected or appointed as a Member of Parliament if:
(a) he/she is a citizen of Singapore;
(b) he/she is of the age of 21 years or above on the day of nomination;
(c) his/her name appears in a current register of electors;
(d) he/she is resident in Singapore at the date of his nomination for election and has been so resident for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than 10 years prior to that date;
(e) he/she is able, with a degree of proficiency sufficient to enable him to take an active part in the proceedings of Parliament, to speak and, unless incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause, to read and write at least one of the following languages, that is to say, English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 44 (2): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments:
Source: Florence Tan, Manager (Policy & Political Donations), Elections Department, Prime Minister’s Office
Verified: 2007/01/25
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: 27.1 Any group that desires to contest in any election in any group representation constituency shall consist of independent candidates standing as a group.
9.1 Any person eligible for election to the office of President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution may be nominated as a candidate for election to the office of President.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 27A (3-b): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act, art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017);
Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Political Donations Act governs the limitations of contributions to political parties by foreign and domestic private sources. Donations from domestic sources are limited to accept anonymous donations of less than $5,000 in any one financial year of the association. All donations must be reported to the Election Department. Foreign donations are impermissible.
Source: Political Donations Act:
http://www.eld.gov.sg/registry.html (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: The Returning Officer may direct that the votes cast at any polling station or stations in Singapore for an electoral division be counted at such counting place for that electoral division (which may or may not be a polling station) and time as he may specify.
The votes cast at all overseas polling stations shall be counted at such place or places in Singapore as the Returning Officer directs.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 48A: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: Any candidate at an election in an electoral division or his counting agent may apply to the Returning Officer to have the votes given at the election recounted if either:
- he is present at the sole counting place specified for the electoral division and the counting of votes at that counting place is completed;
- or if he is present at the principal counting place specified for the electoral division and the votes counted at all counting places for that electoral division have been added at that principal counting place.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, Art. 49B: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Presidential Elections Act: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: 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. “Election survey” means an opinion survey of how electors will vote at an election or of the preferences of electors respecting any candidate or group of candidates or any political party or issue with which an identifiable candidate or group of candidates is associated at an election.
Any person who contravenes this blackout period shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 78C: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law sets a limit to the election expenses, but there is no specific provision with regard to paid advertising.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 69: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 2A, 5, 5A, 6, 8: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There shall be 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 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.
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 (Cap. 218).
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 5A, 6 (1), 8: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Unless the President, acting in his discretion, otherwise directs the Speaker in writing, a Bill seeking to amend any constitutional provision, which authorises the President to act in his discretion, shall not be passed by Parliament unless it has also been supported at a national referendum by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 5 (2A): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD008
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
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)
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22cf2412ff-fca5-4a64-a8ef-b95b8987728e%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0 (2015)
Verified: 2015/09/11
DD009
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD010
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD107
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD108
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD011
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD012
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature e . Other (specify who)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2A)
Constitution, article 5A (1)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A) (additional statement)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A)
Constitution, article 5A
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A)
Constitution, article 5A
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A)
Constitution, article 5A
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A)
Constitution, article 5A
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (2A)
Constitution, article 5A
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: Constitution,article 59 (2)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
g . Civil service
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 59 (3)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . President d . Legislative majority
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5 (1) (2) (2A)
Constitution, article 5A (1)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
c . President
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5A (1)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source: Constutution, article 5A (2)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD042
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5A (5)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 5A (6)
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/07
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: The results of referenda are binding when the referendum is supported by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 5, 6, 8: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, Art. 5, 6, 8: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections b . At any polling station in the same voting district i . By tendered ballot
Comments: 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.
(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."
26.1. Every elector shall record his vote at each election in the electoral division for which he is registered.
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 39: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017);
Presidential Elections Act, art. 26 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-president-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: 39. 1. Subject to section 7, any overseas elector who intends to cast his vote at the poll for a contested election in an electoral division may vote at —
(a) the overseas polling station allotted to him under section 13A by the Registration Officer; or
(b) the polling station in the electoral division allotted to him under section 36A(1)
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 13, 39A: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
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, art. 36A (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots d . Electronic voting machine
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 42, 50A: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017).
Verified: 2017/03/24
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