SINGAPORE (June 23): The upcoming general elections will be like “no other” due to the gravity of the current situation, the issues at stake, as well as the special arrangements made to deal with Covid-19, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a televised address to the nation at 4pm on Tuesday.
He has advised President Halimah Yacob to dissolve Parliament today.
Lee says the government has decided to carry out elections now when things are “relatively stable”.
The alternative, he says, is to wait out the Covid-19 pandemic, but there is no telling when it will end, with no sign of a vaccine in sight.
The elections were also called at this time to give the new government a “fresh” five-year mandate for it to focus on the national agenda, which includes having to “make and carry difficult decisions” pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy, and jobs.
“The government that you elect will have critical decisions to make,” he says, adding that the decisions will impact Singaporeans’ lives and livelihoods, and shape the nation for many years to come, far beyond the five-year term of the next government.
In his address, Lee said that he had to be certain of two things. First, that voters can vote safely. Second, that political parties can campaign effectively.
On voter safety, more polling stations will be set up, compared to previous elections to reduce crowding. Safe distancing measures will be practiced, and voters will be allocated specific time slots to vote. Seniors will be given priority to vote before others.
On effective campaigning, candidates can still go house-to-house in person, provided they observe safe distancing.
Physical rallies are not possible, but candidates will be able to speak to voters via television broadcasts, and livestreaming, he says.
"With our arrangements and precautions in place, I am confident we can hold a proper and safe election," he adds.
To be sure, Singapore is not the first to hold its general elections during the Covid-19 pandemic. Other countries including South Korea, Taiwan, and countries in Europe, have already done so.
On the Covid-19 pandemic
Addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, which has killed almost half a million people globally, Lee says that the government responded “decisively” by imposing circuit breaker measures from April to June and made “strenuous efforts” in caring for the migrant workers, who made up for most of the cases in Singapore.
He says the virus has taken a toll on livelihoods, and have caused a deep economic crisis, which Singapore sought to mitigate with fiscal stimuli with four budgets of almost some $100 billion.
“These decisive actions have kept retrenchments and company closures low. They have helped Singaporeans take care of their families and see through the immediate crisis,” he says.
Citing the phased re-opening of the country and the economy, Lee cautions Singaporeans that we should be “under no illusions that we have defeated Covid-19”.
“This is just the end of the beginning phase. A long struggle lies ahead,” he warns, mentioning countries such as South Korea, China, Germany, and the US, who are experiencing fresh outbreaks after bringing the number of initial cases down.
Lee also warns against a “tough period” ahead.
“Singapore has not yet felt the full economic fallout from Covid-19, but it is coming,” he says.
“Despite all the measures we have taken, there will be more business closures, and more retrenchments in the coming months. Unemployment will go up,” he adds.
But the government is determined to save as many jobs as it can, create new jobs, as well as doing its best to help businesses and industries survive and restructure themselves, he says.
On external uncertainties, global developments such as the US-China tensions that now include Hong Kong, the US presidential elections in November, border clashes between China and India, and political developments in Southeast Asia are all concerns.
To overcome these challenges, the nation must navigate safely through them, protect its security and national interests, and stand completely united.
“Singaporeans and the government must work closely together, with full trust and confidence in each other,” he says.
“The government must be able to respond promptly and decisively to the Covid-19 outbreak and the economic situation, and to external developments. We need a capable government, with the strong backing of the people, to do all that needs to be done,” he adds.
Business as usual during election period
During the election period, Lee assured that the incumbent government will continue to govern, the Cabinet will remain in charge, and public service will function normally.
Over the next few weeks, the ministerial taskforce will continue to lead the taskforce on Covid-19.
“The National Jobs Council will create jobs and training places. Businesses, workers, and families will receive help and support. All this essential work, on your behalf, will go on throughout the election period,” he says.
Nomination Day will be on June 30.
Polling Day will be held on July 10.
Under the Constitution, the due date for elections to be held, is by April 2021.
