SINGAPORE: The anticipation builds as Singapore prepares for its next General Election, but the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC), responsible for outlining the country's electoral map, has yet to be formed, according to the Elections Department (ELD) on January 2. This announcement raises questions among political observers and citizens alike as they await details on when the election will be called.

The convening of the EBRC is crucial as it assesses factors such as population shifts and housing developments to ensure an equitable distribution of voters across electoral divisions. With the deadline for the next General Election set for November 23, this will mark Singapore's 14th election since gaining independence and the first under the new fourth-generation leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

"The Ruling Party Sets the Pace"

Political scientist Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore reassured that the lack of a formed EBRC does not imply any urgency on behalf of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). "The timing of the General Election is at their discretion, and with several months left, they are not necessarily cutting it close," he said. Historically, the EBRC has completed its work within weeks, allowing for elections to be held shortly thereafter.

While some speculate that Mr. Wong may wish to finalize the national Budget in February before the formation of the EBRC, experts suggest that a February convening could allow the committee up to three months to prepare its report. This timeline could push the General Election to occur in May or early June.

"Get Ready - The Clock is Ticking!"

Political analyst Felix Tan urged parties not to delay in revealing their candidates and manifestos. "A General Election this year is certain, so there's no reason for hesitation," he cautioned. Early announcements would familiarize voters with candidates before the harsh scrutiny of social media takes its toll—an increasingly important factor in election dynamics today.

The EBRC's Historical Timeline

Historically, the timeframe between the EBRC's formation and the subsequent election has varied significantly. For instance, during the contest under Mr. Wong's predecessor, the gap spanned from merely a couple of months to nearly 11. The last EBRC meeting was during August 2019, preceding the July 2020 election, which was notably affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the EBRC includes senior figures from various governmental bodies, ensuring a thorough review process.

Preparations Underway for Upcoming Vote

As part of the election preparations, the ELD announced that approximately 50,000 public officers would be appointed and trained to oversee nomination, polling, and counting activities. This is a vital move in ensuring a smooth electoral process as the nation gears up for its democratic exercise.

On a noteworthy note, recent changes to polling district boundaries were made in June, leading to adjustments in the voter rolls, with over 2.7 million Singaporeans ready to make their voices heard this year.

As the nation braces for its General Election amidst evolving political landscapes, all eyes are now on when the EBRC will be convened and how the strategy for the upcoming elections will unfold. Could this election redefine Singapore’s political avenues? Stay tuned as we follow the story closely!