SINGAPORE – During the cooling-off period for the presidential election, campaigning activity and election advertising, including the publishing and display of or wearing of clothing with a candidate’s symbols, are not allowed.

This is to give voters time to reflect on their choice for president, said the Elections Department (ELD) on Wednesday.

On Polling Day, voters should refrain from wearing attire with images or carrying items to the polling station that may be construed as influencing other voters or canvassing support for any particular candidate, said ELD.

These include shirts, clothing, bags or badges with prints on them that are identical to or closely resemble a candidate’s allocated symbol, or bear words that may be interpreted as showing support for a candidate.

They also include objects that are identical to or closely resemble a candidate’s symbol, and would likely be associated with a candidate by the public.

“If they (voters) do so, they may be turned away by election officials at the polling stations,” said ELD.

Singapore will go to the polls on Friday to vote for its ninth president.

The cooling-off period runs from midnight on Thursday, which is Cooling-off Day, till 8pm on Friday, at the close of polling on Polling Day.

The three presidential hopefuls are former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song, 75; former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66; and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, 75.

Prohibited activities during cooling-off period

Campaigning activities and election advertising that are prohibited during the cooling-off period cover both publishing of paid and unpaid online election advertising – including sharing, resharing, reposting or boosting of existing advertising – as well as broadcasting of online meetings accessible to the public.

Publicly displaying non-online election advertising – including relocating, altering or modifying existing election advertising – is also not allowed. Non-online election advertising includes banners, flags and posters.

The following will also have to cease: canvassing, walkabouts, door-to-door visits, visiting homes and workplaces of voters for election-related purposes, and any form of public assemblies or meetings – whether online, in person or both – about election issues.

Besides the candidate, who is allowed to wear a replica of the symbol allocated to him, wearing, using, carrying or displaying a candidate’s symbol or campaign propaganda is not allowed.

Election advertising, which will also not be allowed, refers to any information that can be regarded as intended to promote, procure or prejudice the electoral success of a candidate or to otherwise enhance or prejudice the standing of a candidate, said ELD.

There are some exceptions to the prohibitions on election advertising during the cooling-off period.

These include lawful online election advertising that was already published as well as non-online election advertising lawfully displayed before the start of Cooling-off Day.

Among the other exceptions are news reports relating to election matters by authorised news agencies; and communication of content between two or more individuals that is of a private or domestic nature via electronic means.

ELD reminded candidates “to be mindful of how they conduct themselves in public and exercise due care to avoid any action that may be perceived as campaigning”.

“Candidates should therefore refrain from making home visits or attending public events where they are likely to attract public attention and may be perceived to be canvassing for support,” it said.

“Candidates may continue to attend religious ceremonies or worship services, meetings or other functions in the course of work or employment, subject to the general prohibitions against campaigning and election advertising during the cooling-off period.”

ELD also reminded candidates and their supporters that the publication of election surveys and exit polls before the close of polling on Polling Day is prohibited.