Do’s and don’ts for presidential campaigning: police
The police have released guidelines on rally sites for presidential aspirants and their supporters, as well as the dos and don'ts of campaigning ahead of Nomination Day on Wednesday.
Candidates — who can hold only one outdoor rally during the nine-day campaign period — will be able to do so from 18 Aug to 25 Aug between 7am and 10pm at the following locations:
1.Jurong East Stadium, 21 Jurong East St 31
2.Toa Payoh Stadium, 297, Lor 6 Toa Payoh
3.Choa Chu Kang Stadium, 1 Choa Chu Kang St 53
4.Bedok Stadium, 1 Bedok North St 2
5.Woodlands Stadium, 1 Woodlands St 13
6.Tampines Stadium, 25 Tampines St 82
7.Yio Chu Kang Stadium, 210 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9
8.Queenstown Stadium, 473A Stirling Road
9.Lunch Time Rally at Boat Quay next to UOB Plaza
An option for candidates to hold a lunchtime outdoor election meeting was also included.
At the close of the Police Elections Liaison Office's (PELO) operations each day, police will announce the permits that have been issued for outdoor election meetings, if any, along with their corresponding date and time. The information will also be available on the SPF website.
Candidates may choose to organise any number of indoor meetings during the stipulated period. Such venues must be enclosed and wholly within a building, such that only those attending the meeting will be able to hear or see the activities going on therein.
A police permit is required for gatherings — both outdoors and indoors — and applicants will also need the consent of the owners. The candidates will be able to book a rally site more than a day in advance. But if more than one candidate picks the same site on the same day, a ballot will be conducted.
Those using a stadium for rallies can book it only in blocks of three hours: 7am to 10am, 12pm to 3pm, or 7pm to 10pm. Rental rates for the first two timings are at $342.40, while the night slot will cost them $695.50.
The SLA also charges a rental fee of $107 for the use of open spaces for rallies.
The police also reminded candidates that they can use vehicles fitted with loudspeakers tomorrow, but they are not allowed to stand on the open deck of such moving vehicles to campaign.
In a separate statement on Monday, police said that supporters and members of the public going to the nomination centre on Wednesday at the People's Association headquarters at 9 King George's Avenue should arrive there only after 10am.
Candidates have also been advised to arrive early at the centre.
Nomination proceedings will commence from 11am and end at 12.30pm.
Supporters and members of the public can enter the nomination centre only through the Tyrwhitt Road entrance. They are advised to take public transport as only vehicles with authorised parking labels will be allowed entry into the Nomination Centre.
Supporters and members of public are also advised not to bring along bags to avoid any inconvenience which may be caused by security checks. Police also reminded them that they cannot display placards, flags or banners of any candidate in the centre until after the end of nomination proceedings.
The display of political symbols is also not allowed during the Presidential Election, including on Nomination Day.
The statement added that officers will monitor the law and order situation closely during the election meetings and will not hesitate to take firm action against any person who commits any offence or whose behaviour may lead to public order problems.
The police also seeks the cooperation of rally goers to leave the sites in an orderly and peaceful manner at the end of each election meeting.
They are also encouraged to take public transport as traffic congestion can be expected at the roads leading to the rally sites during this period. Motorists travelling within the vicinity of election rallies should be prepared for changes in traffic conditions, and they are advised to tune in to the radio for updates on the latest traffic situation.
For other election related matters, Elections Department officers can be contacted at 1800 - 818 0088.
