Guide to Singapore's Nomination Day for GE2025

The stage is set for Singapore’s General Election (GE) 2025, with Nomination Day scheduled for 23 April 2025 (Wednesday).

This critical day marks the official start of the electoral process, where candidates file their nominations to contest in various constituencies.

Understanding the procedures and requirements is essential for prospective candidates, political parties, and voters alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Nomination Day, from eligibility criteria to key deadlines and logistical details. Let’s dive in!

Key Details: What You Need to Know

1. Writ of Election Issued

• The President has officially issued the Writ of Election for GE2025, paving the way for the nomination and polling processes[1].

2. Nomination Day

• Date: 23 April 2025 (Wednesday).
• Time: Between 11 am and 12 noon, candidates must submit their nomination papers in person at the designated venues listed in Annex A.

3. Returning Officer

• Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, serves as the Returning Officer for GE2025.

Eligibility and Requirements for Candidates

To qualify for nomination, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Political Donation Certificate

• Mandatory: All prospective candidates must obtain a Political Donation Certificate by 19 April 2025 (Saturday).
• How to Apply:
  • Use the Elections Department’s (ELD) digital Candidate Services platform or submit the prescribed form to the Registrar, Registry of Political Donations.

2. Minority Community Certificates (GRCs Only)

• For Group Representation Constituency (GRC) groups, at least one member must hold a certificate from either the Malay Community Committee or the Indian and Other Minority Communities Committee.
• How to Apply: Submit the prescribed form via Candidate Services or manually, with optional supporting information in a statutory declaration (maximum two pages.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 19 April 2025 (Saturday).

3. Assentors and Supporters

• Candidates must be accompanied by:
  • A proposer,
  • A seconder,
  • At least four assentors whose names appear in the current Register of Electors for that electoral division.

Preparing and Submitting Nomination Papers

1. Completing the Nomination Paper

• Prospective candidates are encouraged to use ELD’s digital Candidate Services platform to prepare and auto-check their Nomination Paper.
• Alternatively, a printable copy is available for hand-filling.
• After completion, the paper must be printed, signed by:
  • The candidate (or all GRC members),
  • The proposer, seconder, and four assentors.
• A statutory declaration must also be made before a Commissioner for Oaths or Justice of the Peace.

2. Submission on Nomination Day

• Candidates must deliver the following documents in duplicate (photocopies allowed) to the Returning Officer at the designated Nomination Place:
  • Completed Nomination Paper,
  • Political Donation Certificate,
  • Minority Community Certificate (if applicable.

Election Deposit and Financing Rules

1. Election Deposit

• Amount: $13,500 (equivalent to the fixed monthly allowance of an MP for the month before Parliament’s dissolution, rounded to the nearest $500).
• Payment Modes:
  • PayNow via Candidate Services,
  • Bank transfer (submit transaction details via Candidate Services),
  • Bank draft or certified cheque payable to “ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT” (submit at ELD or Nomination Centre).
• Tip: Early payment is encouraged to avoid last-minute delays.

2. Spending Limits

• Candidates are subject to a spending limit of $5 for each elector on the Register for their division.
• For GRCs, the limit is calculated as $5 × number of electors ÷ number of candidates.

3. Political Donations

• Under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 (FICA), only Singapore citizens aged 21 and above or Singapore entities may make political donations.
• Note: The Political Donations Act 2000 was repealed on 29 December 2023, with obligations now governed by FICA.

Polling Day and Contested Elections

• If contested, Polling Day will be declared as 3 May 2025 (Saturday), which will be a public holiday.
• Employers are required to grant electors reasonable time off to vote.

Nomination Places and Committees

1. Nomination Places

Candidates must submit their papers at the designated venues listed below:

Minority Community Committees

For GRC candidates, certificates must be obtained from the relevant committee:

• Malay Community Committee Members:
  • Chairman: Mr Mohamed Sa’at Abdul Rahman
  • Members: Dr Hadijah Bte Rahmat, Dr Mohamed Bin Ali, Mdm Rahayu Mohamad, Mr Zulkifli Bin Baharudin.
• Indian and Other Minority Communities Committee Members:
  • Chairman: Assoc. Prof Narayanan Ganapathy
  • Members: Mr Khiatani Manohar Ramesh, Mr Ravinder Singh s/o Harchand Singh, Mr Vincent Schoon, Dr Zahabar Ali.

A Smooth Path to Nomination Day

Singapore’s Nomination Day for GE2025 is a meticulously organised process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal requirements.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and submission procedures, candidates can navigate the process confidently and efficiently.

For voters, this guide provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts that precede Polling Day.

Whether you’re a candidate, supporter, or observer, staying informed is key to participating meaningfully in Singapore’s democratic process.