ELD raises election expenses cap to S$5 per elector; updates minority candidate requirements in GRCs
On 27 March, the Elections Department (ELD) announced that the maximum election expenses per elector will increase from S$4 to S$5, citing inflation. ELD also confirmed that the newly created Pasir Ris-Changi GRC must have at least one minority candidate, while Punggol and Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRCs require an Indian or other minority candidate.
SINGAPORE: Singapore has increased the maximum amount candidates can spend on election expenses from S$4 to S$5 per elector.
The Elections Department (ELD) announced the revision on 27 March 2025, citing inflation as the key reason for the adjustment.
This is the first increase in the spending cap since 2015.
Under Singapore’s election laws, there is a limit on how much candidates can spend to ensure a fair electoral process and prevent excessive financial influence on election outcomes.
For candidates contesting in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC), the spending limit is calculated as S$5 per elector on the register for that GRC, divided by the number of candidates in the group.
For example, in a four-member GRC, the limit per candidate would be S$5 multiplied by the number of electors, divided by four.
"The law imposes a ceiling on the amount that a candidate contesting the election can spend. This is to ensure a level-playing field and to prevent 'money politics'," said the ELD in its announcement.
"Spending in excess of the maximum amount in the law is an illegal practice."
Designation of minority representation in GRCs
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has designated specific GRCs where at least one candidate in each group must be from a minority community.
The following GRCs require at least one Malay candidate:
- Aljunied
- Bishan-Toa Payoh
- Chua Chu Kang
- East Coast
- Jalan Besar
- Marine Parade-Braddell Heights
- Marsiling-Yew Tee
- Pasir Ris-Changi
- Sembawang
- Sengkang
- Tampines
The following GRCs require at least one candidate from the Indian or other minority communities:
- Ang Mo Kio
- Holland-Bukit Timah
- Jurong East-Bukit Batok
- Nee Soon
- Punggol
- Tanjong Pagar
- West Coast-Jurong West
Among these GRCs, Pasir Ris-Changi and Punggol are newly created four-member GRCs, while Jurong East-Bukit Batok and West Coast-Jurong West are five-member GRCs.
These changes follow the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report released on 11 March, which introduced major revisions to Singapore’s electoral map, leaving only five GRCs and four SMCs unchanged from GE2020.
Electoral register compilation completed
The ELD also announced that it has completed compiling the composite registers of electors based on the new electoral boundaries for the upcoming General Election.
The registers will be open for public inspection starting 28 March 2025.
Singaporeans can check their voter details via the ELD website or through the My Profile section of their Singpass app.
Those who cannot access the registers online may do so at any community centre, ServiceSG Centre, or by appointment at the ELD office. Overseas Singaporeans can check their registration status at designated overseas missions serving as registration centres.
Singaporeans whose names were removed from the registers due to failure to vote in previous elections may apply to have their names restored.
The ELD has urged eligible voters to apply early, as name restorations cannot be processed between the issuance of the Writ for an election and Nomination Day (if uncontested) or Polling Day (if a vote is required).
Overseas voting arrangements
Eligible overseas Singaporeans listed in the electoral register may register as overseas electors to vote either by post or in person at one of 10 designated overseas polling stations. Registration can be completed on the ELD website.
To qualify as an overseas elector, individuals must have lived in Singapore for an aggregate of at least 30 days in the three years preceding their registration date.
