SINGAPORE: Covid-19-hit Singapore will stage a general election on July 10, it was announced here today, well before the parliamentary term ends next April.
Nomination Day is June 30. This was announced after President Halimah Yacob dissolved Parliament and issued the Writ of Election today.
According to media reports, this means nine days of campaigning before Cooling-off Day on July 9. Polling Day will be a public holiday.
In a televised address to the nation today, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he has decided to call the general election now, while the Covid-19 situation is relatively stable, to “clear the decks” and give the new government a fresh, full five-year mandate, according to the reports.
After the election, he added, the new government can focus on the national agenda which include handling the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and jobs.
A total of 93 elected seats are at stake – in 17 GRCs (group representation constituencies where contests are between groups of candidates) and 14 single-member constituencies. – June 23, 2020
