Election digest

10 overseas voting stations

REGISTERED Singaporean voters living abroad can cast their votes at one of 10 overseas voting stations. These are located in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington.

The Elections Department (ELD) said the Returning Officer has decided that overseas voting will go ahead, after consulting the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The final decision, however, is subject to the approval of the overseas authorities and the prevailing Covid-19 situation in those cities. Details on the voting procedures will be sent to registered overseas voters after Nomination Day.

Singaporeans returning from overseas will have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice (SHN), either at dedicated facilities or at their place of residence. Those who are at SHN facilities can vote there, away from other voters. ELD said it will also make arrangements for returnees serving their stay-home notice at home. More details will be out after Nomination Day.

PAP's Henry Kwek to contest Kebun Baru

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HENRY Kwek of the People's Action Party has been confirmed as the candidate in the single seat ward of Kebun Baru. The seat was part of Nee Soon GRC previously, and was carved out as a single seat for the coming election. Mr Kwek, a one-term MP, is expected to square off against Kumaran Pillai from the Progress Singapore Party.

Tan Jee Say applies to rejoin SDP

TAN Jee Say, the founder of the recently dissolved Singaporeans First (SingFirst) party, has applied to rejoin the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).

Mr Tan, who left SDP six years ago to form SingFirst, told SDP chief Chee Soon Juan that the party's values reflect the values and beliefs that he champions for Singaporeans. Mr Tan said Singapore needs a strong opposition to check the Government and provide an alternative voice for the people.

Lee Bee Wah retires as MP after 14 years

FORMER Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah has announced her retirement from politics. The 59-year-old PAP backbencher said she is stepping down as part of party renewal, and she is glad that a younger candidate will take her place. She identified that person as 38-year-old Carrie Tan, the founder of Daughters of Tomorrow, a social enterprise supporting underprivileged women in Singapore.

SDA wants GST cut to 3% for basic items

THE Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) issued its manifesto on Monday, and among its many proposals is to slash the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 3 per cent for basic items such as food and common household items. It wants to have a progressive GST system such that luxury items are taxed the most, at 15 per cent.