GE2025: Parties can hold physical rallies from Apr. 24, 2025, a day after nomination day

Candidates will be able to hold their first election rallies from Apr. 24, the day after Nomination Day, but they will need to secure the necessary permits from the Singapore Police Force.

With Nomination Day scheduled for Apr. 23 and Polling Day set for May 3, the authorities have laid out clear guidelines on campaigning and public gatherings during the election period.

Candidates must apply for permit

According to police regulations, candidates must apply for a permit to hold election rallies. Due to safety and security considerations, rallies can only be held at designated venues approved by the authorities. If multiple applications are submitted for the same venue and time slot, allocation will be determined by a ballot.

The police will announce the designated rally venues for each constituency after Nomination Day. While there's no charge for the permit application itself, venue rental fees may apply depending on the location’s management.

For those planning to rally as early as Apr. 24, applications must be submitted no later than 4pm on Apr. 23. For rallies held on subsequent days, the deadline to apply is 2:30pm on the day before the intended event. For example, if the rally is on a Thursday, the application must be in by Wednesday at 2:30pm.

Here are the rates for renting fields by the respective premise owners.

Polling Day results 

On Polling Day, May 3, candidates, supporters, and the public are allowed to gather at designated venues to await results. Applications for such gatherings can be submitted from Nomination Day, with the final deadline being 2:30pm on Cooling-Off Day, May 2. The police will announce the approved applications after that deadline.

Campaigning using loudspeaker vehicles to broadcast pre-recorded messages will be permitted between Apr. 24 and May 1, with police approval.

Use of Speakers' Corner will be suspended

Separately, use of the Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park will be suspended from Nomination Day onwards. During this period, public events or assemblies at the Speakers’ Corner will not be allowed without a police permit.

For security reasons, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will also impose temporary no-fly zones over rally venues, starting an hour before each rally and ending an hour after.

Those interested in applying for permits are encouraged to do so online via the police website or in person at the Police Elections Permit Office located at the Police Cantonment Complex. The authorities will also conduct a briefing session on Apr.22, on the eve of Nomination Day for candidates and campaign teams.

Top image via Pexels.