Man charged with damaging PAP posters and harassing volunteers on GE2025 polling day

SINGAPORE: A 57-year-old man was charged in court on 4 July 2025 for damaging election materials belonging to the People's Action Party (PAP) and harassing volunteers during polling night of the 2025 General Election. Seng Guan Heng faces five charges, including mischief, intentional harassment, causing annoyance while drunk, and two counts of using criminal force. According to charge sheets, the alleged incident took place at about 11.20pm on 3 May at an open-air carpark near Block 328, Hougang Avenue 5. Seng is accused of breaking the poles of two PAP flags and damaging five party posters, valued at around S$205. He allegedly directed Hokkien vulgarities at a group of PAP volunteers, pointed his middle finger at them, and pushed two men on their chests during the altercation. Seng also reportedly shouted loudly while intoxicated, causing annoyance to those present at the scene. According to state media CNA, he appeared in court alone on Friday and informed the judge, via a Mandarin interpreter, that he intended to plead guilty. He stated that he needed to travel frequently for work, with scheduled trips to Vietnam and Indonesia. The judge responded that once a person is charged in court, they cannot travel freely without court permission. Such requests require applications and may involve higher bail amounts. The case has been adjourned to August for a further mention. The alleged offences took place in Hougang Single Member Constituency (SMC), where PAP candidate Marshall Lim contested against Workers’ Party candidate Dennis Tan. Tan, a lawyer, retained his seat in Parliament by winning more than 60 per cent of the vote. Lim secured 37.85 per cent of the vote share. On the night of the election, Lim was delayed in arriving at Bedok Stadium, where PAP supporters were gathered to await results. He cited incidents of vandalism at the PAP’s Hougang branch as the reason for his delay. Lim told CNA that he remained at the branch to ensure the safety and well-being of his volunteers. No injuries were reported. “As the matter is now before the courts, we should let the legal process take its course,” Lim stated. He added, “Politics can and should involve passionate debate and advocacy, but there is no place for violence in our discourse.” “Regardless of our political views, we are all fellow Singaporeans. Our differences should inspire meaningful dialogue and a search for common ground.” If convicted of mischief, Seng could face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. For intentional harassment, the penalty could be up to six months’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. Each count of criminal force carries a maximum penalty of three months’ jail, a fine of up to S$1,500, or both. Causing annoyance while drunk can result in up to six months’ jail, a fine of up to S$1,000, or both, for first-time offenders.