SINGAPORE GE2025: CAMPAIGNING TO END AT MIDNIGHT AS COOLING-OFF PERIOD BEGINS

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, May 1 (Bernama) -- All forms of campaigning for Singapore’s general election (GE2025) will be banned starting midnight (12 midnight, May 2) as the cooling-off period begins, according to the Elections Department (ELD).

The period will continue until the close of polling on May 3.

“The cooling-off period provides time and space for voters to reflect rationally on issues raised during the election campaign before going to the polls,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

During this period, new election advertising -- defined as any information that can reasonably be regarded as intended to promote, procure, or prejudice the electoral success of a candidate, group of candidates, or any political party -- must not be publicly displayed or published.

The ELD said prohibited campaigning activities and election advertising include sharing, re-sharing, re-posting, or boosting online election advertising (OEA); canvassing; walkabouts; and door-to-door visits.

This also includes holding rallies, e-rallies, and other livestreams; and wearing, using, carrying, or displaying campaign propaganda. Only candidates are allowed to wear a replica of the symbol allotted to them.

The publication of election surveys and exit polls at any time during the election period — from the issuance of the Writ to the close of polling — is also prohibited.

Media reports relating to election matters are among the exceptions to this ban.

Other exclusions include advertising that was already in place before cooling-off day, as well as private and domestic communications, such as individuals sharing election-related content within a private chat or closed group with family or a small circle of friends.

ELD reminded candidates and their supporters to be mindful of how they conduct themselves in public and exercise due care to avoid any action that may be perceived as campaigning.

“Candidates may continue to attend religious ceremonies or worship services, meetings, or other functions in the course of work or employment, subject to the general prohibitions against campaigning and election advertising during the cooling-off period,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA