SINGAPORE: Prospective candidates for the upcoming General Election should steer away from “negative campaigning” and the denigration of opponents, the Elections Department (ELD) said on Tuesday (Apr 15). 

“Candidates, their elections agents and their authorised representatives should conduct election campaigning in a responsible and dignified manner that befits the seriousness of the election process.”

Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3 for the country’s 14th General Election, after President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved parliament earlier on Tuesday. Nomination Day is on Apr 23.

ELD issued a media release on Tuesday evening, outlining campaigning guidelines that apply from the issuance of the Writ of Election until Nomination Day.

ELD said that candidates should “steer away from negative campaigning based on hate and denigration of opposing candidates”.

They should also not make false statements such as unfounded allegations of corruption or commission of criminal offences, or statements that may cause racial or religious tensions or affect social cohesion.

ELD also warned against foreign interference.

“The outcome of Singapore’s elections must be for Singaporeans alone to decide. As such, candidates must play their part to mitigate the risk of becoming vectors or victims of foreign interference.

"Candidates should enhance their understanding of the threat and be alert to suspicious behaviours and hidden agendas, so that their election campaign is free from foreign interference,” it said. 

Foreign interference refers to activities conducted by foreign actors, such as foreign governments and organisations, that interfere in the politics and policies of the target country. The goal of foreign interference ...