Apr 16, 2011 - Straits Times
By Ho Ai Li, China Correspondent
SHANGHAI - EVERY vote counts and it matters regardless of where
Singaporeans cast their vote, said Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan
Seng on Saturday, as he tried to allay concerns that overseas
ballots had little impact.
Some people had noted that ballots cast abroad at the 2006
General Elections were added up only after those in Singapore had
been counted and suggested that overseas Singaporeans be allowed to
vote earlier.
Speaking at a carnival in Shanghai for China-based Singaporeans,
Mr Wong said that this would be difficult given the different time
zones, as the Government would like all Singaporeans to vote at the
same time.
He explained that when the vote count in Singapore shows a clear
win for a certain candidate, and if the number of overseas ballots
for that particular ward would not affect the result, the candidate
will be declared the winner.
But the votes from abroad would still be added up and included
in the final count, he assured. 'Their votes are counted. It's
important, every vote counts,' he told reporters at the Singapore
Day carnival at Shanghai's Century Park.
Mr Wong urged Singaporeans abroad to register to have a say in
the elections, pointing out that there was still time to do so
before the date of polling day is announced.
As of end March, nearly 2,800 outside Singapore have registered
to vote at one of nine overseas polling stations in cities
including Beijing and Shanghai.
About 5,500 people attended the Singapore Day gathering, the
fourth such event to encourage those who are away from Singapore,
to keep up their ties with home.
