If contested, the next Presidential Election will be held in September rather than in August, which is when voting typically takes place, Chan Chun Sing announced in Parliament during the second reading of the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill.
The date revision does not require changes to the law. The government is announcing changes early for transparency and so that prospective candidates can be aware of the changes, reported Channel News Asia.
In 2011, the Writ of Election was issued in the first week of August. Campaigning began shortly after National Day, and coincided with the month-long National Day celebrations. The revised timing would ensure the election is not held during the celebrations, Chan said.
The shift of the election from August to September will also "reset the clock" so that future elections will take place outside the National Day period. Singapore celebrates August 9 as National Day.
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Chan said the Constitution allows for an acting President to assume office from the end of the incumbent President's term until a new President assumes office.
Chan said current laws allow for changes to the timing of the polls to be made in time for this year's Presidential election.
The shift in timing will also cater to the longer time period required to assess prospective candidates as part of legislative changes.
Another change being proposed is that nomination day be held at least 10 days after the day the Writ issued, up from the current five days.
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