Over 5,100 sign online petition calling for electoral reforms in Singapore
SINGAPORE: An online petition launched by Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), has gained more than 5,110 endorsements from members of the public as of 3 pm on 27 May 2025.
The petition, which calls for wide-ranging electoral reforms, was unveiled during a press conference on 18 May.
Chee described the initiative as non-partisan and aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about fairness and transparency in Singapore's political system.
'These are foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity,' he said.
Hosted on Change.org, the petition outlines six major proposals for reform.
Petition lists six proposals to enhance electoral transparency, media freedom, and boundary fairness
Chief among them is the removal of the Elections Department from the Prime Minister's Office, intended to ensure impartial oversight of electoral processes.
Another key proposal is the abolition of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which the SDP argues facilitates gerrymandering and disadvantages opposition candidates.
The petition also calls for a minimum campaign period of three weeks to give voters ample time to evaluate party platforms and candidates' policies.
Additionally, it proposes a mandatory six-month buffer between the release of new electoral boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament.
The petition further advocates for the revision of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act to support independent media, and the creation of an impartial Electoral Boundaries Review Committee.
As of 23 May, the petition had already garnered over 4,800 signatures, reflecting growing public interest in the issue following the recent General Election.
Concerns about election conduct
During the 18 May press conference, Chee sharply criticised the conduct of the 2025 General Election.
He characterised the election as a 'smash-and-grab' operation carried out with 'unseemly haste' by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
He stated that the compressed campaign timeline left voters with inadequate time to absorb the issues at hand.
This concern was especially pronounced among younger and first-time voters, who reportedly felt overwhelmed and disoriented.
'The electorate hardly had time to grasp the weighty national concerns that affect our society,' he said.
Chee emphasised that these problems point to systemic flaws within the electoral framework and that the petition was not a reactionary move but a principled push for deeper reform.
He also spoke on the disruptive impact of sudden boundary changes ahead of the election.
The dissolution of Bukit Batok SMC—a constituency where he had campaigned for nearly a decade—forced him to contest in the newly formed Sembawang West SMC.
In the closely fought contest, Chee received 46.82% of the vote, narrowly losing to PAP's Poh Li San. The result made it the third-closest race of the election.
Chee argued that such abrupt constituency changes hinder both candidates and residents, eroding community bonds and voter engagement.
He reiterated that an independent and transparent approach to boundary delineation is crucial to preserving public trust in the electoral system.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Online Citizen
a day ago
- Online Citizen
PAP's Goh Pei Ming tops spending so far as 35 candidates declare S$884,978 from 3 May General Election
SINGAPORE: A total of 35 candidates who contested the General Election on 3 May have declared their election expenses, with combined spending reaching S$884,978. These figures were made publicly available on the Elections Department's (ELD) website on 28 May. Under Singapore's election laws, candidates must declare their expenses and the nature of spending. This process aims to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing. Candidates have until 16 June to file their election returns. PAP's Marine Parade–Braddell Heights team spent S$388,756 in sole walkover victory Among those who have submitted so far, People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Goh Pei Ming topped the list with S$104,085 in declared spending. More than half of his expenditure went towards non-online election advertising, including printed materials and physical displays. Goh, a former chief of staff in the Singapore Armed Forces, was part of the PAP team in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC. His team was the only one to win in a walkover on Nomination Day. Their collective campaign expenditure stood at S$388,756 — the highest recorded among the teams that have declared their finances so far. In total, the 35 candidates represented a range of parties, including the PAP, Progress Singapore Party (PSP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), People's Alliance for Reform (PAR), Red Dot United (RDU), and Singapore People's Party (SPP). One candidate each from the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), People's Power Party (PPP), and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) also submitted their expenses. Additionally, independent candidates Darryl Lo and Jeremy Tan have declared their financial statements. No candidates from the Workers' Party (WP) have submitted returns to date. This leaves 176 candidates either yet to file or whose submissions are pending announcement in the Government Gazette. According to the data released, the average expenditure per candidate came to S$25,285. However, spending varied significantly. While some candidates incurred no expenses, others spent over S$100,000. The PAP led the average spending per candidate at S$77,751. This was followed by the PSP with an average of S$32,303 and the NSP at S$24,378. At the lower end, RDU averaged S$1,297 per candidate, while PAR had the lowest average at S$898. Seven candidates report zero spending Seven candidates declared zero expenditure. These included Sharad Kumar, David Foo and Pang Heng Chuan from RDU; Alec Tok from SDP; Harminder Pal Singh from SDA; and Lim Rui Xian and Muhammad Norhakim from SPP. PPP's Samuel Lee reported S$100 in 'other expenses'. He announced via TikTok on 27 May that he had resigned from the party, effective 23 May, to pursue other opportunities. Among independent candidates, Jeremy Tan, who contested Mountbatten, spent S$16,075. His largest cost was for his solo rally at the Home of Athletics on 1 May. Darryl Lo, contesting Radin Mas, spent S$12,213, with most of it going towards printed materials and other non-digital promotional tools. The only other full team to have submitted expenses was NSP's Sembawang GRC team, which reported a total of S$121,888 in spending. In addition to spending, candidates are required to declare any donations received. Among the 35, only RDU's Ben Puah, who contested Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC, declared donations. He received S$280 from anonymous donors, via six PayNow transactions ranging from S$10 to S$100. Puah spent S$109 in total on his campaign. RDU's Kala Manickam submitted disputed claims Another RDU candidate, Kala Manickam, submitted disputed claims amounting to S$1,365. These included S$404 in food expenses for campaigners, S$66 for transport, and S$895 for printing extra campaign fliers. According to the ELD, such claims are filed when election agents dispute or fail to settle expense claims within the 28-day window. Kala, who contested in Jurong Central SMC during 3 May poll, told The Straits Times that her claims were not reimbursed by the party. She explained that she was advised to submit them as disputed. 'The party told me to raise petty cash to claim back my money, but when I submitted it after the election, they said the spending was not endorsed by the party,' she said. She added that the party also cited her lack of fundraising as a reason for the rejection of her reimbursement request. Kala said she would personally absorb the cost, stating her campaign was driven by a desire to serve Singapore. The ELD allows members of the public to view candidates' declared expenses by logging into its digital service with their Singpass credentials. Further updates are expected as the 16 June deadline approaches.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life
Physical advertising materials, like posters and flags, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season. PHOTO: ST FILE How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life SINGAPORE - With the 2025 General Election now over, several political parties and candidates say they are reducing wastage of their campaign materials by reusing, recycling and even selling some of them. Those who are selling their physical advertising materials like posters told The Straits Times that they are doing so to raise funds to cover the cost of the campaign, or to donate to charity. On May 28, the Elections Department (ELD) released preliminary data showing that the average election spending per candidate worked out to be $25,285. The records showed that the five members of the PAP's Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team, which enjoyed Singapore's first walkover since 2011, were the top spenders among 35 candidates who have declared their expenses so far. Non-online election advertising was the slate's largest expense, accounting for about 60 per cent of $388,756 spent by the candidates . Physical advertising materials like posters and flags, which are grouped under non-online election advertising in ELD data, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season . However, there are no official figures for how much of the materials wind up in the landfill once these campaigns end. A PAP spokeswoman told ST that the party sorted its election paraphernalia into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and disposed of them properly. She said: 'Our campaigning materials are not for sale or auction.' Some items like corrugated parts may be repurposed by printers for other uses, such as cardboard standees, she added. The spokeswoman said the party also reuses some materials produced before the 2025 General Election, like banners with PAP logos . PAP volunteers and workers keeping PAP posters featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and elected candidates in Ang Mo Kio GRC on May 4. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) said they recycle some of their campaign materials. SDA chief Desmond Lim said the party has used biodegradable materials since 2020, and raised $8,000 through sales of roadside posters in 2025, up from about $5,000 after the previous general election. The proceeds and another $8,000 from Mr Lim's pocket were donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to help children and youth from low-income families with school-related expenses. Posters of SDA Pasir Ris-Changi GRC candidates on display near Tampines Meridian Junior College on April 28. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Mr Lim added: ' This initiative isn't just a practice; it embodies our commitment to reducing waste and championing sustainability within our community. We want to create a positive impact not only for our supporters in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, but also for all Singaporeans.' Meanwhile, an SDP spokesperson said its leftover campaign material is recycled or used for fund-raising purposes. By June 1, the party had sold about 9 per cent of an estimated 450 roadside posters set aside for fund raising . As for its merchandise such as umbrellas and stuffed toys, the remaining stock has been stored at the party's headquarters for future use. A People's Power Party spokeswoman said its campaign materials have been distributed or sold to its volunteers and supporters to partially offset expenses. SDP bear plushies on sale during an SDP lunchtime rally at the promenade next to UOB Plaza on April 29. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The independent candidates who ran during the recent election, Mr Jeremy Tan and Mr Darryl Lo, also said they had sought to make their campaigns environmentally friendly. Mr Lo, who took 23.52 per cent of the vote at Radin Mas SMC, said he paid more for paper from sustainably managed forests , and printed 13,000 fliers and brochures for roughly the same number of households. Less than 120 copies of each remained after the campaign. He chose to give away most of the 252 posters printed for the election. Instead of charging fees, supporters were told to donate generously to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). The law graduate who worked in the technology sector said he decided on SOS because of its 'profound' work to prevent suicide, which includes manning a 24-hour helpline. Mr Tan, who garnered 36.18 per cent of the vote share for Mountbatten SMC, said he used leftover plywood from a construction site for his posters. All 200 posters, except for four, have been recycled. The retired businessman said: 'It was cheaper to do things this way, so it wasn't too challenging.' He plans to set up a microsite to sell about 1,000 autographed fliers, clappers and t-shirts, with all proceeds to go to organisations like social service agency Care Corner. ST has also reached out to WP, the only opposition party in Parliament with 12 MPs, and other parties, including the PSP. The National Library Board's (NLB) collection of published heritage shows that the WP has, on occasion , donated some campaign materials through the Legal Deposit, which preserves such items. An NLB spokesperson said it has encouraged political parties and candidates to contribute materials like printed manifestos, fliers, brochures, recordings of campaign speeches, rallies, related websites and social media accounts to the board for preservation. She said: 'In line with the National Library and National Archives of Singapore's role as a memory institution, materials related to important national milestones in Singapore's history are collected, documented and preserved.' Analysts lauded the candidates' efforts to extend the lifespan of campaign materials, and urged candidates to be more ambitious in their initiatives. Dr Aidan Wong, who teaches urban studies at Singapore Management University, said the range of steps taken indicates a recognition across the life stages of printed material. 'This movement indicates a greater awareness among political parties that being environmentally sustainable is part of our DNA, and this overall consciousness is gaining good traction.' James Cook University's Professor Adrian Kuah, who advises developing countries on minimising waste and maximising resources , pointed out that strategies to reuse and repurpose existing materials are superior to using recycled materials because they reduce further production from raw resources. 'Instead of one-time use, the political party can consider producing posters that can be reused for future events and general elections,' he said. Dr Wong and Dr Kuah suggested that candidates can take further steps to protect the environment, like introducing zero-waste rallies and hosting more campaign materials online. During the 2023 Presidential Election, for instance, candidate Ng Kok Song opted to not have physical posters or banners. Still, party paraphernalia remain a part of political elections, the analysts acknowledged. Said Dr Wong: 'Not only do they make voters aware of the parties and candidates campaigning in their constituency, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the campaigning period.' The practice of selling and giving away party memorabilia dates back to the 1980s, but has become more visible with online platforms like Carousell, according Mr Emyr Uzayr, head of marketing at vintage shop Treasure At Home. The 21-year-old added: 'While I do not see value in the current election materials, you never know how they might be viewed in years to come... What seems unimportant today could become historically significant tomorrow.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Independent Singapore
‘Big party promotion!': Singaporeans react to Desmond Lee's appointment as PAP chair, but some look for DPM Gan
SINGAPORE: The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) announced on Thursday (May 29) changes to its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Significantly, the PAP said it appointed a new chairman, Desmond Lee, the Education Minister. Other changes include the appointment of Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as Party Treasurer, and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has taken over as assistant treasurer. Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, meanwhile, is now the head of Young PAP, and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal, who has been appointed chairperson of the PAP Malay Affairs Bureau, will now be part of the CEC. Mr Lee had previously been the party's assistant secretary-general. He replaces former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who retired before this year's General Election. 'The CEC expressed its appreciation to outgoing chairman Mr Heng Swee Keat for his years of leadership and service to the Party and Singapore, and wished him a fulfilling retirement from politics,' the party said in a statement on its website. Some commenters reacting to the announcement from the PAP appear to feel that this is a major step up for Mr Lee. 'This is a big party promotion for the son of Lee Yock Suan. This adds to his promotion to Minister for Education, which is one of the big four portfolios (finance, defence, home affairs, and education),' wrote a Reddit user. Lee Yock Suan, the minister's father, was a longtime Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet member, having served as Minister for Labour and Minister for Education, among other roles. He retired from politics in 2006. Others noted that the younger Mr Lee's new role as Education Minister is a significant one as well. 'MOE sets the ethos for the future generation of the country. It is a heavy responsibility, like defence and finance. This is why all potential leaders of the country have been picked to helm MOE at some point (in) their political career (e.g., Chan Chun Sing, Heng Swee Keat, Tharman, Ong Ye Kung, Lawrence Wong),' one wrote. 'If we go further back, Tony Tan and Goh Keng Swee were also education ministers before,' another pointed out. One chimed in to say, 'The GE showed his pull in West Coast and from those who have worked with him, he is well regarded, albeit someone that is more of a quiet technocrat. Though he tends to be understated, his trajectory remains constant and will likely continue to be a presence, especially in the 4-5G and the PAP. All the more so given his age.' The commenter added that Mr Lee reminded them a little of Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Speaking of Mr Gan, some Facebook users wondered why he is not in the PAP CEC. 'Didn't see DPM Gan in the slate? What happened?' one wrote. 'Where is the task force man?' another echoed. /TISG Read also: Desmond Lee: The Dark Horse in the Cabinet
