March 13, 2010 by admin
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Written by Our Correspondent
In a sign that the PAP will be tightening the electoral rules to
prevent the occurrence of a “freak” election, the display of “any
badge, symbol, set of colours, flags, advertisement, handbill,
placard or posters as political propaganda” – on Cooling Off Day
and Polling Day have been made seizable offences. This means the
police can make an arrest without a warrant.
The Cooling Off Day was proposed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong last year to enable voters to make a “rational and informed”
decision on the eve of the polls.
With public sentiments against the PAP at an all-time high,
there is increasing fear that voters may be swayed by the
opposition at the rallies which are usually emotional affairs, to
cast a protest vote against it.
The additional day gives the PAP-controlled media time to react
to “unforeseen mishaps” occurring in the heat of the electoral
campaign such as a possible faux paus made by some senior leaders
within the party.
The rule will also apply to any election advertising, online or
offline. Those who break the law can be fined up to $1,000 or
jailed up to 12 months or both.
Political websites are required to register with the Media
Development Authority to engage in election advertising on the
behalf of candidates during the campaign period. So far, only two
NGOs – Singaporeans for Democracy and Think Center have registered
with MDA.
Further restrictions are also imposed on public assemblies at
Speakers’ Corner which will now require a permit from the
Commissioner of Police from the time of Nomination Day to Polling
Day.
Public gathering or protests involving even a person is now
outlawed under the Public Orders Act implemented last year.
Though the Singaporeans are guaranteed basic rights such as the
freedom of speech and assembly under Article IV of the
Constitution, a series of repressive laws were promulgated over the
years by the PAP to curtail the civil and political rights of
citizens so that it can perpetuate its political hegemony.
The PAP has governed Singapore for 50 continuous years since
1959. While elections are held on a regular basis, Singapore lacks
the other pillars of a functioning democracy such as a free press,
a robust civil society and active citizenry.
International NGO Human Rights Watch described Singapore as a
“textbook example of a repressive state” in its annual report
released lately.
The next election may be the last chance for Singaporeans to
reclaim their ownership of the nation after which they may soon
find themselves being relegated to second class minorities, swarmed
by the relentless influx of foreigners that the PAP is mass
importing to shore up its eroding support base.