Bukit Batok by-election

Dos and don'ts for candidates and the public on Nomination Day

Supporters and members of the public are advised to be at the Nomination Centre for the Bukit Batok by-election only after 10am on Wednesday. ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN

Supporters and members of the public are advised to be at the Nomination Centre for the Bukit Batok by-election - Keming Primary School - only after 10am on Wednesday.

Police issued this notice in a traffic and security advisory on Nomination Day proceedings yesterday. They will step up their presence, as well as conduct security and bag checks in and around the school on Nomination Day.

Candidates must submit their nomination papers and political donation certificates between 11am and noon on Wednesday, to be eligible to stand in the by-election on May 7.

The candidates must be accompanied by a proposer, seconder and at least four assentors, who must all be eligible voters in Bukit Batok constituency.

Before nomination proceedings close, no placards, flags or banners of any candidate can be displayed at the centre, the police added.

They reminded candidates to arrive early, and said parking is not allowed at the Nomination Centre.

The public is advised to take public transport to the centre, and not to take along sharp objects, flammable liquids or gas, bulky items or big bags. Neither will they be allowed to take along or fly unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, into or over the centre because this could endanger public safety, the police said, promising firm action against those who do so.

The police said they will also not hesitate to take action against anyone who is unruly or who commits any offence, and sought the cooperation of the public to assemble at, and disperse from, the Nomination Centre in an orderly manner.

The Elections Department said last Saturday that five applications for political donation certificates were submitted before applications closed. It did not disclose names.

This opens the possibility of a multi-cornered fight on May 7 - whether it happens will be known on Nomination Day.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 25, 2016, with the headline Dos and don'ts for candidates and the public on Nomination Day. Subscribe