Video PlayerClose

SINGAPORE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Election Department (ELD) decided on Friday to extend the polling hours of polling stations in Singapore except those in SHN (Stay Home Notice) designated facilities.

The ELD said in a statement that the polling stations, which are formerly designed to open to the 2.65 million voters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, will be closed two hours later, except polling stations in designated facilities for those under the Stay Home Notice.

While the queue situation in most polling stations has improved, a small number continue to see long queues. This extension in hours will give enough time for all voters to cast their votes, the ELD said.

Precautionary measures have been taken in the polling of this year's election amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 192 candidates join in the competition for 93 seats of the parliament.

For voters on SHN at home, on medical certificate for acute respiratory infection, or having a fever (37.5 degrees Celsius and above), 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. had been set aside as a Special Voting Hour (SVH) for these voters to vote.

In line with the new arrangement, the ELD said that for polling stations which have no queue, SVH voters will be able to cast their votes as planned.

As for polling stations which still have long queues, election officials will ask SVH voters to identify themselves and will isolate them in a separate holding area. This is to prevent this group of voters from mixing with other voters. Once the queue has cleared, election officials will then arrange for SVH voters to vote.

The ELD said it seeks the understanding and cooperation of all voters, as it managed to clear the long queues at a small number of stations, while ensuring safe voting for all voters. Enditem