Electoral system of Singapore is based on a unicameral parliamentary system with a Westminster-style government. The country has a multi-party political system, with the ruling party being the People’s Action Party (PAP) since the country’s independence in 1965.
Who Can Vote:
To be eligible to vote in Singapore, an individual must be a Singaporean citizen who is at least 21 years old and has lived in Singapore for at least 183 days in the preceding year. Those who are not Singapore citizens or have been disqualified by law from voting, such as convicted criminals, are not allowed to vote.
Voting Process:
The voting process in Singapore is carried out using a paper ballot system. Before the election day, voters are issued with a poll card that contains information about the date, time, and location of their designated polling station.
On the day of the election, voters must present their poll card and identification card or passport to the polling station staff before they are allowed to cast their vote. They will then be given a ballot paper, which they will use to mark their preferred candidate by making an “X” in the box beside their name.
Once the voter has marked their ballot paper, they will fold it and place it into a ballot box. The ballot box is then sealed and transported to a counting center where the votes are counted.
Vote Counting:
Vote counting is carried out manually in Singapore. Once the polls have closed, the ballot boxes are opened, and the ballot papers are counted by hand. The counting process is overseen by officials from the Elections Department and representatives from the contesting political parties.
After the votes have been counted, the results are announced publicly, and the winning candidate is declared. In the event of a tie, a recount may be conducted.
Singapore’s electoral system allows only Singaporean citizens who meet certain eligibility criteria to vote. Voting is carried out using a paper ballot system, and vote counting is done manually.
Also learn about The Workers’ Party in Singapore: A History of Struggle and Progress and The Debate on Democracy and Authoritarianism in Singapore: Perspectives from Foreign Experts.
