Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing introduced a Bill including special arrangements with respect to health and safety measures during the Covid-19 outbreak

The Parliamentary Elections (Covid-19 Special Arrangements) Bill will allow "certain electors who are subject to Covid-19 stay orders" to vote outside of their electoral divisions.

It also allows for an aspiring candidate to not be present in person during the nomination proceedings, if they are ill.

In addition, the Bill will introduce "special steps" to be taken during a poll and vote counting in the interest of public health, although this was not elaborated yet.

Ensure safety of voters, candidates and election officials

The Bill, which was introduced by Chan on behalf of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, will undergo a second reading at the next available sitting of Parliament.

According to the Elections Department, speaking to the Straits Times on Apr. 4:

"The Bill contains the necessary legislative provisions to allow ELD to implement temporary arrangements to ensure the safety of voters, candidates and election officials during parliamentary elections held on or before April 14, 2021."

The next General Election must be held by April next year.

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Top image by Suhaimi Abdullah via Getty Images.