The deadline to apply for political donation certificates at the Elections Department lapsed at 1pm on Saturday afternoon, capping a relatively quiet day at Prinsep Street.

Earlier in the day, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Jufrie Mahmood dropped in and submitted two applications for political donation certificates, a prerequisite for standing in an election.

No one of significance was spotted since then until 1pm, when the Elections Department shut its gates.

In contrast, the ELD was a hive of activity yesterday, when all political parties which have expressed an interest in the Punggol East by-election dropped in to submit applications or collect forms.

This includes the People's Action Party, the Workers' Party, the Singapore Democratic Alliance and the Reform Party.

There was no sign of independent candidates such as Ooi Boon Ewe, or acupuncturist Zeng Guoyan, on Saturday even though they had appeared at ELD on Thursday to collect papers.

Snap polls for the single-seat ward of Punggol East was called on Wednesday, setting Nomination Day for Jan 16 and Polling Day as Jan 26.