ELD disclosure on RDU poster fine prompts criticism over confidentiality breach and late response

In response to media queries, the Elections Department (ELD) said on 26 May 2025 that Red Dot United (RDU) must pay S$900 for 18 election posters removed on Cooling-off Day. The department noted that the fine could be waived if the posters were tampered with, as RDU had claimed earlier. RDU's deadline to make the payment is 27 May. However, ELD's response has drawn sharp criticism from RDU, which accused the department of unfair treatment and a breach of confidentiality in disclosing fine details to the media. RDU also noted that it had submitted an appeal on 12 May regarding three of the 18 fines but received no response until 26 May. RDU Secretary-General Ravi Philemon described the release of details marked “RESTRICTED” as unethical, stating that such correspondence was meant to be private. According to Philemon, “The only substantive content in that message was that RDU had been found liable for 18 TEA contraventions, amounting to S$900 in removal fees.” He added, “At no point were we informed by the ELD that any of this information would be shared with the media.”

RDU candidate Liyana Dhamirah alleges poster tampering in a 9 May social media post

On 9 May, RDU candidate Liyana Dhamirah posted a video alleging possible tampering with campaign posters in Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC. She said the posters had been taken down and re-tied in locations that breached regulations, leading to possible fines. Traditional election posters (TEA) must not be placed within 50 metres of polling stations to avoid influencing voters. Liyana noted a discrepancy in the cable ties used, claiming her team used black ties, but white ties were found at the time of removal. RDU initially told The Straits Times that Liyana's post was her personal reflection, but said tampering was likely based on preliminary checks. On 26 May, the ELD advised RDU to lodge a police report if it suspects sabotage and said the S$50-per-poster fee could be waived if investigations confirmed the claims. The department also reiterated that complaints about RDU posters in restricted zones continued between 9pm on Cooling-off Day and early Polling Day. According to ELD guidelines, political parties are given three hours after 9pm on Cooling-off Day to remove any non-compliant posters. On Polling Day itself, only one hour is allocated. If removal is not completed in time, Aetos Security Management (Aetos) steps in to remove the posters. While the fee for poster removals on Polling Day was waived due to heavy rain and safety concerns, the fee for the 18 posters removed on Cooling-off Day remains in place.

Philemon: Public confidence undermined

In a statement on 26 May, Philemon expressed disappointment at what he described as selective information disclosure by ELD. He said the public release undermines confidence in electoral neutrality and procedural fairness. He also questioned whether similar disclosures would be made if the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) had been involved. “Public institutions must remain above reproach and uphold public trust by acting fairly, impartially, and with integrity,” he stated. RDU claims it acted responsibly following Liyana’s post, conducting an internal review of TEA placements in both JE-BB and Nee Soon GRC. The review report has been completed and will be discussed at the party's Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting on 30 May. The party emphasised that it refrained from commenting further during the review out of respect for process and professionalism. "Which is why it is especially troubling that the ELD chose this moment to unilaterally release selective information to the press — while we, acting in good faith, held our position out of respect for process and professionalism."

Late response and tight deadline spark concern

RDU noted that the ELD only responded to its appeal on 26 May, just one day before the payment deadline. This has raised concern within the party over the short notice given for compliance. Philemon credited Liyana’s swift action on Cooling-off Day with helping avoid more severe penalties. He maintained that RDU remains committed to fair and ethical campaigning and expects the same from state institutions.

RDU calls for PM Wong to review ELD

In a separate Facebook post, Ravi Philemon criticised the handling of the matter and revealed that he had written to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He called for a review by the Prime Minister's Office — under which the ELD operates — into whether the ELD adhered to its own confidentiality classifications when responding to media queries. He also questioned whether there is a clear and consistent policy for disclosing restricted information to the media, and if such disclosures are applied fairly across all political parties, including the ruling party. Additionally, he raised concerns about whether RDU was treated equitably in the appeal process and given adequate time to make payment.