12 questions S'poreans will ask this Presidential Election 2017, if there's even one

Frequently asked questions.

Belmont Lay | August 29, 2017, 06:30 PM

Polling day for the President Election 2017 in Singapore is slated for Sept. 23, 2017.

Here are all the details you need to know leading up to that day -- if there is even an election.

1. What is the timeline of the Presidential Election 2017, if there is one?

Aug. 28: Writ of Election

Sept. 4: Application deadline for Certificate of Eligibility and Community Certificate

Sept. 13: Nomination Day (Campaign starts)

Sept. 14: 1st Presidential Candidate Broadcast

Sept. 16: 1st Televised Forum

Sept. 19: 2nd Televised Forum

Sept. 21: 2nd Presidential Candidate Broadcast

Sept. 22: Cooling-off Day

Sept. 23: Polling Day

2. How much election deposit for PE2017?

Election deposit is S$43,500. In 2011, it was S$48,000. Per candidate.

3. How old must Singapore's President be?

The President must be at least 45 years old.

4. Where is the Nomination Centre?

Nomination Centre: People's Association, 9 King George's Avenue, Singapore 208581

Entry into Nomination Centre is from 10am on Sept. 13, 2017.

5. What if there is only one candidate on Nomination Day?

If there is only one candidate, it will be a walkover. The President will start his/ her duties on Sept. 14.

6. Is the Presidential Election different from the General Election?

The Presidential Election is conducted differently from the General Election. The President is reminded to be above the political fray. It is not his/ her role to support or oppose the government of the day or advance his own agenda or policies.

7. How to ensure the PE2017 candidates know what they are doing?

Candidates are required to make a statutory declaration that they understand the role of the president under the constitution. They are also encouraged to conduct their election campaign in a manner that is dignified, decorous and consistent with the President's position as Head of State.

8. Are there other new measures implemented to keep candidates in line?

There will be an additional voluntary undertaking by candidates on campaigning in a dignified, decorous and consistent manner with the President's position.

But as this undertaking is voluntary, candidates can decline signing the form.

9. How do candidates reach the masses?

Each candidate will be allocated two blocks of 10 minutes airtime to make statements across 17 television and radio channels.

Two forums with the candidates will also be broadcast on free-to-air television. One forum will be live-streamed by Singapore Press Holdings on the third day of Nomination Day, while the other will be organised and broadcast live by Mediacorp on the sixth day after Nomination Day.

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10. Is polling allowed during PE2017?

In accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, the publication of exit polls and election surveys are disallowed from the day that the Writ of Election is issued until Polling Day, both days inclusive.

11. Are there going to be rallies?

There will not be any designated rally sites. Candidates who wish to hold rallies will need to secure rally sites on their own, obtain approval form the owners of the premises or sites, and apply to the police for a permit. They must be submitted two days before the intended rally date, by the designated time. Police will assess the application based on public order considerations.

12. How much can candidates spend for campaigning?

The Presidential Elections Act limits campaign expenses to 30 cents per registered voter or S$600,000, whichever is greater. Based on the number of electors in the registers as of Aug. 28, 2017, the election expenses limit for PE2017 is S$754,982.40.