Singapore yet to fix date for general election due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy are likely to worsen, and ensuring that Singapore can focus on overcoming the challenges is a major factor in deciding when to hold the general election, said Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Temperature check for passengers at Singapore's Changi Airport (Photo: AFP/VNA)Singapore (VNA) – The COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy are likely to worsen, and ensuring that Singapore can focus on overcoming the challenges is a major factor in deciding when to hold the general election, said Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Speaking with reporters on March 11, the Deputy PM said that he is discussing the situation with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong, adding that the government’s current focus is on containing the outbreak and its impact on the economy.
It is likely the outbreak will last until at least the end of the year, and Singapore needs to be able to respond to this major uncertainty, he said.
When asked if Singapore would consider holding an election amid the COVID-19 outbreak, he replied that the authorities are looking at all possibilities, voicing his hope that election rules are properly followed.
Singapore’s Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) was set up in September 2019. Its formation is a clear sign that the country’s general election, which must be held by April 2021, is near.
In Singapore’s previous elections, a general election could be called from between two and seven months from the time the EBRC’s formation is announced./.
You should also see
World economy’s recovery drives Vietnam’s exports
With the recovery of the world market and increasing orders, Vietnam's import and export activities in the first quarter of 2024 prospered and achieved positive results.
See more
World
Vietnam appeals for maximum self-restraint, end to hostilities in Middle East
A representative of Vietnam appealed to all the parties concerned to exercise maximum self-restraint and to end hostilities, while addressing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on the Middle East and Palestine situation on March 25.
World
Indonesia’s coffee exports surpass imports
Indonesia’s coffee exports have surpassed imports for 47 consecutive months since May 2020, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has reported.
World
Thailand expects wave of tourists during Golden Week
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that about 996,000 foreign tourists will visit the Southeast Asian country between April 26 and May 5, known as the Golden Week holidays in Japan, during which Chinese tourists also prefer to travel overseas.
World
Argentinian media praises Dien Bien Phu Victory
Argentinian newspapers have called Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954) a symbol of the national liberation movement of oppressed and colonialised peoples worldwide.
World
Laos speeds up granting licences to foreign workers
Laos's Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare plans to issue visas to illegal foreign workers and extend permits to legal ones so that they can continue to work in the country.
