Singapore prepares for general election

A committee reviewing Singapore’s electoral boundaries was established by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the Elections Department (ELD) said on January 22.

In the past four elections, the time between the committee’s formation and polling day has ranged from four to 11 months. (Photo: Straits Times)
In the past four elections, the time between the committee’s formation and polling day has ranged from four to 11 months. (Photo: Straits Times)

Singapore (VNA) – A committee reviewing Singapore’s electoral boundaries was established by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the Elections Department (ELD) said on January 22.

The election preparation involves a comprehensive review of electoral districts, taking into account recent population shifts. This strategic move will determine the number of candidates and parliamentary seats for the upcoming poll.

The general election must be held by November.

The PM directed the committee to complete its voter list review before April 1, 2025, with preliminary lists to be published in February for public scrutiny.

Wong, who assumed leadership in May 2024 succeeding Lee Hsien Long after two decades of the latter's governance, holds the prerogative to call elections earlier than the November deadline.

The People's Action Party (PAP), led by Wong, is widely anticipated to secure an overwhelming majority, consistent with the party's historical electoral performance since Singapore's independence in 1965. The popular vote percentage will serve as a critical indicator of public support for the new leadership./.

VNA

See more

Officers measure emissions from a pickup truck at a checkpoint set up in front of Chatuchak Park on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok in January 2024. (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thai cabinet approves carbon tax to curb emissions

The Thai cabinet approved a carbon tax of 200 THB (5.9 USD) per tonne of carbon emissions on January 21, as part of the country’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul.

Illustrative image (Photo: Nation Thailand)

Thailand's births fall below 500,000 for first time in nearly 80 years

Thailand's population has declined by 100,000 in 2024 to 65.95 million, marking a historic demographic shift as annual births fell below 500,000 for the first time since 1949, despite the government's efforts to promote childbearing through the Having Children for the Nation campaign.

Tourists in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: VNA)

Thai council urges ASEAN unity in US trade talks

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) of Thailand has recommended that Thailand collaborate with other ASEAN nations to negotiate trade agreements with the US to avoid high import tariffs and penalties.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, recently issues a statement in Jakarta. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia welcomes WTO ruling on EU curbs on palm oil biofuel

Indonesia has welcomed a recent ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which found that the European Union (EU) discriminated against Indonesian palm oil-based biofuel, giving it unfair and detrimental treatment, in setting biofuel regulations, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.

Indonesia launches 37 energy projects (Photo: Tempo.co)

Indonesia launches 37 energy projects

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto kicked off 37 strategic projects related to the construction of power plants on January 20 as the country is on track to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Logo of the Asean National Police (ASEANAPOL) (Photo: ASEANAPOL)

ASEANAPOL enhances crackdown on scam call centres

The Asean National Police (ASEANAPOL) will prioritise the elimination of scam call centres linked to trafficking in persons and forced criminal activities as part of its regional action plan this year, Director for Plans and Programmes of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat Police Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc has said.

The Earthquake Observation Division of Thailand marks the epicentre of the 3.4-magnitude quake on Google Maps in Pai district of Mae Hong Son at 11.57 pm on January 19. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Continuous earthquakes shake northern Thailand

The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department said 15 quakes Wiang Nuea tambon, Pai district in Thailand's northern province of Mae Hong Son from 9.56pm on January 19 to 3.46pm on January 20.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at a recent press conference (Photo: VNA)

Thailand eyes cryptocurrency to boost economy

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced the government’s decision to allow the use of payment products and services through digital assets in storage areas in Phuket, a popular island destination in the country.