Singapore Law on Election-Related Expression

Question 1

What is Singapore’s law on election surveys?

Answer 1

• Blackout on publishing election survey results
• -> From writ of election (order to hold elections) to closing of polls (matter of weeks)
• -> Criminal offence
• -> Election survey blackout allow making own choices than joining the herd

Question 2

What is the downside to US having too many election surveys?

Answer 2

• Downside in the US: too much horse race coverage of US election
• -> Look at who is going to win rather than the issues

Question 3

What is another election-related expression under Singapore law?

Answer 3

• Polling & cooling-off day (the day before polling)
• -> Prohibition against campaigning, ads, meetings, symbols
• Exceptions:
• -> News
• -> One-on-one communication (personal views)
• -> Already published material