[Bigiron]

#GE2025: The Elections Department has released campaigning guidelines from Nomination Day until the end of Polling Day.

Party political broadcasts are set for April 25 and May 1. Other key points: https://str.sg/oWVKA

[Bigiron]

GE2025: Campaigning Guidelines
 
Source: https://str.sg/oWVKA
 
Published: 2025-04-21
 
Theme: The Elections Department (ELD) has released campaigning guidelines for the upcoming general election in Singapore, covering various aspects of campaigning from Nomination Day to Polling Day.
 
Core Points:
 
- Political Broadcasts: Two party political broadcasts (PPBs) are scheduled for April 25 and May 1. Only political parties fielding at least six candidates under a recognized party symbol are eligible.
 
- Walkabouts and House Visits: Candidates can conduct walkabouts and house visits without a permit from the police if specific conditions are met, including the presence of the candidate or an authorized representative, adherence to time restrictions, and avoiding obstruction of public spaces or causing noise disruption.
 
- Traditional Election Advertising: Banners, flags, and posters must comply with the Parliamentary Elections Act and Regulations. Controls are in place regarding their quantity, size, location, and display duration.
 
- Online Campaigning: Candidates can campaign online through social media, websites, podcasts, and emails. Paid online election ads can be published only by political parties, candidates, and election agents, while others require written authorization.
 
- New Law on Digital Content: A new law, the Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) Act, bans digitally generated or manipulated content that misrepresents a candidate's speech or actions. This includes content created using generative AI or techniques like Photoshop, dubbing, or splicing.
 
- Election Meetings: Candidates require a permit from the Police Elections Permit Office to hold election meetings, including rallies. Applications must be submitted online or in person.
 
- Perambulating Vehicles: Candidates can use vehicles to broadcast pre-recorded election messages but require a police permit. Live speeches or public entertainment from vehicles are not allowed.
 
- No Foreign Interference, Negative Campaigning, or Prohibited Persons: Only Singapore citizens can participate in elections and campaigning. Persons under 16 years of age or subject to a supervision order under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act are not allowed to participate. Negative campaigning and false statements are prohibited.
 
- Campaigning by Political Parties and Civic Organisations: Any person conducting activities in support of a candidate must be individually authorized in writing. Civic, business, or professional bodies should ensure their Constitutions allow them to engage in political activities and that they comply with applicable laws.
 
- Publication of Election Surveys and Exit Polls: The publication of results of election surveys, exit polls, or content purporting to be the results of an election survey is not allowed from the issuance of the Writ of Election until the close of polling.
 
- Cooling-off Period: All campaigning, including traditional and online election advertisements, must stop during the cooling-off period, which starts on the eve of Polling Day and ends when the polls close on Polling Day.