The stage is set for a more traditional campaigning approach in Singapore’s upcoming General Election. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sun Xueling, revealed that the police will designate physical rally sites across various constituencies, a return to lively democratic engagement.
New Rally Site Arrangements
According to Sun, there will be:
- Two physical rally sites for each Group Representation Constituency (GRC)
- One site for each Single Member Constituency (SMC)
- One additional site for lunchtime rallies
This announcement came during a parliamentary session on 18 February 2024, where Sun was responding to Opposition Leader Pritam Singh’s inquiries about the number of available sites.
Timeline and Access to Information
The list of physical rally sites will be made public at the end of the nomination proceedings on Nomination Day, aligning with methods used in previous elections in 2011 and 2015. This approach marks a renewed commitment to in-person campaigning after the restrictions in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Review of Constituency Boundaries
The arrangements are part of the preparations surrounding the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s (EBRC) work, which began on 22 January 2024. They are tasked with reviewing current electoral boundaries and offering recommendations for the upcoming election, which must be held by 23 November 2024.
Voter Registration Check
In tandem with these developments, the Elections Department (ELD) has opened the revised voter rolls for public inspection until 28 February 2024. Singaporeans aged 21 and above can check their eligibility and particulars online or at designated community centres. The updated registers will reflect all qualified electors as of 1 February 2024.
In Summary
The revival of physical rally sites is a significant step in re-engaging voters and revitalising the political landscape, offering an opportunity for lively public discourse ahead of the general election.