The Online Citizen Asia

Political analysts weigh in on the possibility of another government collapse in Malaysia, as PAS President defends PN's plan to overthrow the Unity Government, sparking controversy. Six-state elections are due later this year.

Democracy Report 2023 by V-Dem Institute shows hope in reversing democratic backsliding in small countries, including those in Southeast Asia, but notes nine countries in the region have declined substantially.

Singapore's Oath of Secrecy for elections requires all authorized personnel to swear they will not do anything forbidden by Section 56 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. This includes reading out the 500-word Section to the declarant, which is deemed an onerous and anachronistic requirement. Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss proposed revising the oath statement on Forms 18 and P13 to state that the declarant has read and understood the relevant section instead. The Elections Department (ELD) has replied to her feedback and will consider her suggestion in the next review of the forms.