By—election candidates can ask for recount if conditions are met

SINGAPORE: Any of the four candidates in the Punggol East by—election can request for a recount — if the difference between the candidate with the most votes and that for any other candidate is two per cent or less than the total number of votes cast.

There are 31,649 registered local voters and another 59 overseas Singaporeans in the by—election on January 26.

The four candidates are Dr Koh Poh Koon from the People’s Action Party, Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam from the Reform Party, Mr Desmond Lim from the Singapore Democratic Alliance and Ms Lee Li Lian from the Workers’ Party.

The Elections Department said voters will start receiving their Poll Cards from January 17.

These cards, which are green in colour, indicate the polling station they have to go to.

Voters must have the poll card, as well as their identity card or passport for verification at the polling station.

During voting, they should put a cross (X) on the ballot paper to indicate their choice clearly and drop the ballot paper into the Ballot Box before they leave the polling station.

Polling Day for the Punggol East by—election is not a public holiday. All employers must give staff who have to vote reasonable time to do so.

Polling stations will open from 8am to 8pm.

The results of the by—election are expected to be known after 10pm.

The Elections Department will deploy some 250 personnel to conduct the by—election.

— CNA/fa