The Elections Department, in an announcement in the electronic version of the Government Gazette on Monday, said the revised electoral rolls will be up for inspection for two weeks.

Voters can check the lists at the Elections Department in Princep Street, at community centres and community clubs, or online at www.elections.gov.sg.

Singaporeans who are overseas can also register to vote at Singapore diplomatic missions in nine cities - New York, Canberra, London, Beijing, Tokyo, Washington, Hong Kong, Shanghai and San Francisco, from Tuesday. New York is the latest addition to this list. During the previous elections, there were only eight locations abroad.

Monday's announcement on the opening up of the registers for inspection is just one change in a host of measures that are designed to make it easier for overseas Singaporeans to participate in elections.

Another change is the introduction of online registration for overseas voters.

The next general election in Singapore is not due till 2012. But there has been recent speculation that one could take place soon.

Speculation was fuelled further some two weeks ago, following two announcements by the Elections Department: the revision of electoral rolls; and changes to the boundaries of polling districts.

However, political watchers say the latest move adds little to the debate.

The inspection of the registers is a procedural step that stems from the need to revise them every three years. The law requires that the electoral roll be updated no later than May 5.