SINGAPORE – Election expenses for the two candidates who contested the Bukit Batok by-election can be inspected at the Elections Department from Wednesday (June 15), said the ELD.
The records listing how much each candidate spent and what the money was used for will be available for inspection for six months on Mondays to Fridays between 9am and 5pm.
People’s Action Party candidate Murali Pillai and the Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan contested the May 7 polls triggered by the resignation of Bukit Batok MP David Ong in March.
Mr Murali was elected into Parliament with 61.23 per cent of the votes to Dr Chee’s 38.77 per cent.
Those who wish to view the returns will have to pay a fee of $2 for each set, and will have to inform ELD at least one working day in advance. They can send an e-mail to ELD at contact@eld.gov.sg or call 1800-225-5353, to minimise the waiting time.
Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the election agents of all candidates who contest in an election must submit a declaration and a return of election expenses to the returning officer within 31 days after the results of the election have been announced.
These returns are required to ensure accountability and transparency in the candidates’ campaign finance, ELD said.
Parliamentary election candidates are allowed to spend $4 for each voter in the constituency they are contesting.
This article was first published on June 14, 2016.
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