How Singapore’s quirky election system works

Citizens in Singapore who are twenty one years old and above are qualified to vote during election or lose the chance to vote in succeeding elections. A registered voter will only retrieve his/her name on the list if he/she has a valid reason like giving birth or the person may also pay S$50 equivalent to thirty five dollars.

For citizens in Singapore who are qualified to vote, Friday will be day to vote for the first time, as oppositions will engage in competition every parliamentary position for the first time since the 1965 independence in Singapore. According to the Elections Department a total of 2.5 million registered voters participated in the election.

Aside from the compulsory voting, Singapore has also quick campaign which made them the world’s shortest campaign during election. The politicians will be given nine days, implemented by the constitution to pursue the voters and gain support from them. Singapore also practices the cooling off day where no which stops the campaign period on the night of Election Day.

Having no surveys is also one of the unusual election systems in Singapore. It is considered illegal to release election surveys and the person who is guilty of this illegal act will be jailed up to twelve months or a fine of about S$1,500.

Aside from that, candidates for elections can only conduct political protest at officially assigned areas, which are distributed through a ballot. They are also blocked from dividing the stage with traditional Getai singers, live shows during Hungry Ghost Festival that was celebrated on the same election period.

Sinagpore also saves the positions of parliamentary for Non-Constituency Members of Parliament who are labeled as “best losers” who belong to the opposition candidates. After the election, Singapore’s system also guarantees a limited number of opposition candidates in parliament.

K. Chen