ELD outlines GE2025 rules, including new law banning deepfakes and manipulated online content
On 15 April, Singapore’s ELD has issued campaign guidelines for GE2025. With polling day set for 3 May, now a public holiday, candidates must adhere to regulations on advertising, foreign interference, and content integrity from nomination to voting.
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/04...e-content/
Singapore’s ELD Outlines GE2025 Rules, Including New Law Banning Deepfakes and Manipulated Online Content
Source: The Online Citizen, published on 2025-04-16
Author: Not specified
Article Summary:
Theme: The article outlines the new campaign guidelines issued by Singapore’s Elections Department (ELD) for the upcoming General Election (GE2025).
Core Points:
- Election Dates: Polling Day is set for 3 May 2025, a public holiday. Nomination Day is on 23 April. The official campaigning period starts after nominations and ends with Cooling-off Day on 2 May.
- Regulations: Candidates must adhere to regulations on advertising, foreign interference, and content integrity throughout the campaign period.
- New Law: The Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) Act prohibits the publication of deepfakes and manipulated content that misrepresents a candidate.
- Campaign Finance: Campaign expenditure is capped at S$5 per elector, and only Singapore citizens and registered entities can make political donations.
- Restrictions on Traditional Election Advertising (TEA): From 15 April until the end of nomination proceedings, new banners, posters, and flags cannot be displayed.
- Walkabouts and House Visits: Permitted without police permits, provided they are not used for public support or opposition of individuals, causes, or government policies.
- Films: Must be factual and non-dramatized under the Films Act.
- Election Surveys and Exit Polls: Prohibited from the issuance of the Writ to the close of polling.
- Responsible Conduct: Candidates and campaigners must avoid negative campaigning, false accusations, and incitement of racial or religious tensions.
Phenomenon: The article highlights the increasing focus on digital integrity in elections, with a new law specifically targeting deepfakes and manipulated online content.
Additional Information:
- The article provides details on election deposits, nomination procedures, and restrictions on foreign interference.
- It also outlines the number of GRCs and SMCs that will be contested in GE2025, and the increased number of elected Members of Parliament.
- Prospective candidates and voters are encouraged to visit eld.gov.sg for further information.