There’s no need to gag yourself even though many Singaporeans are self-censoring, frightened by the Cooling Off Day. Read the press release issued by the Govt on this matter. From the release it looks clear that the cooling off is for campaign activities and not to gag individuals. So it is safe to go ahead and discuss as we well should as it is about our country’s elections.
Confirm it for yourself by reading the latest ELD press release here http://www.eld.gov.sg/pressrelease/ParE2015/Press%20Release%20on%20Cooling-Off%20Day%20and%20Polling%20Day.pdf#zoom=100
Extracted from ELD rules on Cooling off day and Polling Day. Refer to point “F”.
“There are some exceptions to the prohibitions of knowingly publishing or displaying election advertising on Cooling-off Day and Polling Day:
a)Reports in the newspapers, on radio and television relating to election matters;
b)Party Political Broadcasts scheduled from 9pm onwards on Cooling-off Day
c)Approved posters/banners lawfully displayed before the start of Cooling-off Day;
d)Election advertising that was lawfully displayed or published before the start of Cooling-off Day on the Internet and that was not changed after its publication or display 2; However, programmatic advertising, i.e. using technology to automatically deliver digital ads online and on social media platforms, should not be conducted on Cooling-off D ay and Polling Day.
e) Distribution or promotion of the sale of any book if the book was scheduled for publication independent of the election and the
book is not sold at less than its commercial value;
f) The transmission of personal political views by individuals to other individuals, on a non-commercial basis, using the Internet, telephone or electronic means;
g)The wearing by candidates, of a badge indicating affiliation with a political party or replica of the symbol allotted to them.
So discuss all you want as individuals as it is our right. It would be just too ridiculous if we can’t even talk or chat online about our country’s elections right?
Jentrified Citizen 