Political Finance Database

Singapore

Singapore

2018
Bans and limits on private income
Public funding
Regulations of spending
Reporting, oversight and sanctions
Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

“permissible donor” means —
(a) an individual who is a citizen of Singapore and is not less than 21 years of age;
(b) a Singapore-controlled company which carries on business wholly or mainly in Singapore; or
(c) in relation to a candidate, any political party he is standing for at an election;
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
Code
Yes
Source

“permissible donor” means —
(a) an individual who is a citizen of Singapore and is not less than 21 years of age;
(b) a Singapore-controlled company which carries on business wholly or mainly in Singapore; or
(c) in relation to a candidate, any political party he is standing for at an election;
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011
 

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
Code
No
Comment


 

Source

“permissible donor” means —
(a) an individual who is a citizen of Singapore and is not less than 21 years of age;
(b) a Singapore-controlled company which carries on business wholly or mainly in Singapore; or
(c) in relation to a candidate, any political party he is standing for at an election;
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011

4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
Code
No
Source

“permissible donor” means —
(a) an individual who is a citizen of Singapore and is not less than 21 years of age;
(b) a Singapore-controlled company which carries on business wholly or mainly in Singapore; or
(c) in relation to a candidate, any political party he is standing for at an election;
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011
 

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

2.  The funds of a registered trade union may, subject to the rules made thereunder and to the provisions of the Act, be expended for the following objects:
(a) the payment of affiliation fees to a registered federation of trade unions, a trade union co-ordinating or advisory body registered in Singapore under any written law;
(b) the payment of affiliation fees to a federation of trade unions, a trade union co-ordinating or advisory body established outside Singapore as may, from time to time, be approved by the Minister on application being made to him by the trade union;
(c) the payment —
(i) of essential transport expenses and the amount of actual wages lost by representatives of trade unions attending meetings connected with or related to the promotion of industrial relations; and
(ii) of expenditure for the purpose of the establishment or maintenance of any lawful trade union co-ordinating or advisory bodies;
(d) the editing, printing, publication and circulation of any journal, magazine, news sheet or other printed literature published by the registered trade union for the advancement of its objects or the promotion of the interests of the members in accordance with its registered objects and rules;
(e) the payment of affiliation fees to cultural and educational associations registered under any written law within Singapore and such other associations or organisations established outside Singapore as may from time to time be approved by the Minister;
(f) the conduct of social, sporting, educational and charitable activities of the union;
(g) the promotion, organisation, operation and financing of co-operative enterprises established by the union or any other registered trade union under any written law in Singapore;
(h) the payment of membership fees and other levies to the Consumers’ Association of Singapore (CASE), a society registered in Singapore under the Societies Act [Cap. 311];
(i) the payment of entrance fee and annual subscription and donation to the Singapore Labour Foundation established under the Singapore Labour Foundation Act [Cap. 302];
(j) the provision of bursaries and scholarships to members of the union and their children; and
(k) the payment of membership fees and levies and donation to the NTUC Club, a society registered under the Societies Act.
Source: Section 2, Trade Unions Act, 1992

6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
Code
Yes
Source

2.  The funds of a registered trade union may, subject to the rules made thereunder and to the provisions of the Act, be expended for the following objects:
(a) the payment of affiliation fees to a registered federation of trade unions, a trade union co-ordinating or advisory body registered in Singapore under any written law;
(b) the payment of affiliation fees to a federation of trade unions, a trade union co-ordinating or advisory body established outside Singapore as may, from time to time, be approved by the Minister on application being made to him by the trade union;
(c) the payment —
(i) of essential transport expenses and the amount of actual wages lost by representatives of trade unions attending meetings connected with or related to the promotion of industrial relations; and
(ii) of expenditure for the purpose of the establishment or maintenance of any lawful trade union co-ordinating or advisory bodies;
(d) the editing, printing, publication and circulation of any journal, magazine, news sheet or other printed literature published by the registered trade union for the advancement of its objects or the promotion of the interests of the members in accordance with its registered objects and rules;
(e) the payment of affiliation fees to cultural and educational associations registered under any written law within Singapore and such other associations or organisations established outside Singapore as may from time to time be approved by the Minister;
(f) the conduct of social, sporting, educational and charitable activities of the union;
(g) the promotion, organisation, operation and financing of co-operative enterprises established by the union or any other registered trade union under any written law in Singapore;
(h) the payment of membership fees and other levies to the Consumers’ Association of Singapore (CASE), a society registered in Singapore under the Societies Act [Cap. 311];
(i) the payment of entrance fee and annual subscription and donation to the Singapore Labour Foundation established under the Singapore Labour Foundation Act [Cap. 302];
(j) the provision of bursaries and scholarships to members of the union and their children; and
(k) the payment of membership fees and levies and donation to the NTUC Club, a society registered under the Societies Act.
Source: Section 2, Trade Unions Act, 1992

7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
Code
Yes, above certain threshold
Source

—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, every candidate and his election agent must not accept any donation he receives if —
(a) it is offered by a person who is not, at the time of its receipt by the candidate or his election agent, a permissible donor; or
(b) the candidate or his election agent is (whether because the donation is offered anonymously or by reason of any deception or concealment) unable to ascertain the identity of the person offering the donation.
(2)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a candidate at an election and his election agent, or a candidate at a presidential election and his principal election agent, from accepting during the relevant period anonymous donations less than a total sum of $5,000, or such other prescribed sum.
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011

8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
Code
Yes, above certain threshold
Source

—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, every candidate and his election agent must not accept any donation he receives if —
(a)
it is offered by a person who is not, at the time of its receipt by the candidate or his election agent, a permissible donor; or
(b)
the candidate or his election agent is (whether because the donation is offered anonymously or by reason of any deception or concealment) unable to ascertain the identity of the person offering the donation.
(2)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a candidate at an election and his election agent, or a candidate at a presidential election and his principal election agent, from accepting during the relevant period anonymous donations less than a total sum of $5,000, or such other prescribed sum.
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011

9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
Code
No
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
Code
No
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
Code
No
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
Code
No
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
Code
No
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
Code
No
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
Code
No
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
Code
No
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
Code
No
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

The use of motor vehicles is regulated under Section 71 of the Parliament Elections Act, 2015

22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

The use of motor vehicles is regulated under Section 71 of the Parliament Elections Act, 2015

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
Code
No
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
Code
No
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
Code
No
Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
Code
No public funding available
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Not applicable
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Not applicable
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
Code
Not applicable
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
No
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
Not applicable
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
Code
No
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
Code
No
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
Code
Not applicable
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
Code
No
Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
Code
Yes
Source

60. The following persons shall be deemed guilty of the offence of bribery: (a) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives, lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any elector or voter, or to or for any person on behalf of any elector or voter or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector or voter to vote or refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act on account of that elector or voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election under this Act; (b) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives or procures, or agrees to give or procure, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure, any office, place or employment to or for any elector or voter or to or for any person on behalf of any elector or voter, or to or for any other person, in order to induce that elector or voter to vote or refrain from voting, or corruptly does any such act on account of that elector or voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election under this Act; (c) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, makes any such gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) to or for any person in order to induce that person to procure or endeavour to procure the return of any person as a Member of Parliament, or the vote of any elector or voter at any election under this Act; (d) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, makes any such gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement to or for any person who is assisting or has promised to assist a candidate at an election to induce that person to refrain from assisting that candidate; (e) every person who upon or in consequence of any such gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement procures or engages, promises or endeavours to procure, the return of any person as a Member of Parliament, or the vote of any elector or voter at an election under this Act; (f) every person who — (i) advances or pays or causes to be paid any money to or to the use of any other person with the intent that the money or any part thereof shall be expended in bribery at any election under this Act; or (ii) knowingly pays or causes to be paid any money to any person in discharge or repayment of any money wholly or in part expended in bribery at any such election; (g) every elector or voter who, before or during any election under this Act, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, receives, agrees, or contracts for any money, gift, loan, or valuable consideration, office, place or employment, for himself or for any other person, for voting or agreeing to vote or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting at any such election; (h) every person who, after any election under this Act, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, receives any money or valuable consideration on account of any person having voted or refrained from voting or having induced any other person to vote or to refrain from voting at any such election; (i) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, on account of and as payment for voting or for having voted or for agreeing or having agreed to vote for any candidate or group of candidates, at an election, or on account of and as payment for his having assisted or agreed to assist any candidate or group of candidates, at an election, applies to that candidate or to any candidate in that group, or to his agent or agents, for the gift or loan of any money or valuable consideration, or for the promise of the gift or loan of any money or valuable consideration or for any office, place or employment or for the promise of any office, place or employment; (j) every person who, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, in order to induce any other person to agree to be nominated as a candidate or to refrain from becoming a candidate or to withdraw if he has become a candidate, gives or procures any office, place or employment or agrees to give or procure or offers or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure any office, place or employment to or for that other person, or gives or lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, or promises to procure or to endeavour to procure any money or valuable consideration to or for any person or to or for that other person, or to or for any person on behalf of that other person.
Source: Section 6, Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
Code
No
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
Code
No
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
Code
No
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

Advertising is prohibited on polling day and the eve of polling day under Section 78B of the Parliament Elections Act, 2015

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
Code
No
Comment

Advertising is prohibited on polling day and the eve of polling day under Section 78B of the Parliament Elections Act, 2015

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
Code
No
Comment

Advertising is prohibited on polling day and the eve of polling day under Section 78B of the Parliament Elections Act, 2015

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
Code
Yes
Source

—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, the responsible officers of every political association shall, within 31 days after the close of each financial year of the association, prepare and send to the Registrar a donation report under this section in respect of every recordable donation referred to in subsections (2) and (3), giving all such details in respect of each donor thereof as are required by the Schedule to be given in respect of a donor of a recordable donation.
Source: Section 12, Political Donations Act, 2011

48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
No
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
Yes
Source

18.—(1) Any person who is or desires to be a candidate at any
election or presidential election shall, at any time after the date of the
notice of the writ referred to in section 25 of the Parliamentary
Elections Act (Cap. 218) or, in the case of a presidential election,
section 7 of the Presidential Elections Act (Cap. 240A), but at least 2
clear days before nomination day at that election or (as the case may
be) presidential election, send to the Registrar —
(a) a donation report in the prescribed form in respect of every
recordable donation referred to in subsections (2) and (3),
giving all such details in respect of each donor thereof as are
required by the Schedule to be given in respect of a donor of
a recordable donation; and
(b) a declaration subscribed by the person in the prescribed form
stating that, to the best of his knowledge and belief —
(i) no other donations required by this section to be
recorded in the donation report have been accepted by
the person during the relevant period;
(ii) no donation from any person or body other than a
permissible donor has been so accepted by the person
during the relevant period; and
(iii) no anonymous donations, or no anonymous donations
in excess of the sum permitted under section 14(2),
have been accepted by the person during that same
period. Source: Section 18 (1), Political Donations Act, 2011

19.—(1) Within 31 days after the date of publication of the statement of the poll referred to in section 51 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 218) or, in the case of a presidential election, in section 34(1) of the Presidential Elections Act (Cap. 240A), the candidate and his election agent at that election or, in the case of a presidential election, the candidate and his principal election agent, shall send to the Registrar — (a) a donation report in the prescribed form in respect of every recordable donation referred to in subsections (2) and (3), giving all such details in respect of each donor thereof as are required by the Schedule to be given in respect of a donor of a recordable donation; and (b) a declaration under subsection (4) and such other declarations under subsection (5), if applicable. Source: Section 19 (1), Political Donations Act, 2011

74.—(1) Within 31 days after the date of publication of the result of
an election in the Gazette, the election agent of every candidate at that
election shall transmit to the Returning Officer a true return (referred
to in this Act as the return respecting election expenses), in Form 19 in
the First Schedule, containing detailed statements as respects that
candidate of —  Section 74 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
Code
No
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
Code
Yes
Source

75.—(1) When any return respecting election expenses and the
statements made in respect thereof have been received by the
Returning Officer, he shall, as soon as possible, cause a notice of
the date on which the return and statements in question were received
by him and of the time and place at which they can be inspected, to be
fixed in some conspicuous place in his office and published in the
Gazette.
Source: Section 75 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
Code
Sometimes
Source

2.—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, every candidate and his election agent must not accept any donation he receives if —
(a) it is offered by a person who is not, at the time of its receipt by the candidate or his election agent, a permissible donor; or
(b) the candidate or his election agent is (whether because the donation is offered anonymously or by reason of any deception or concealment) unable to ascertain the identity of the person offering the donation.
(2)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a candidate at an election and his election agent, or a candidate at a presidential election and his principal election agent, from accepting during the relevant period anonymous donations less than a total sum of $5,000, or such other prescribed sum.
Source: Section 2, Political Donations Act, 2011

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
Code
Yes
Source

12.—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, the responsible officers of every political association shall, within 31 days after the close of each financial year of the association, prepare and send to the Registrar a donation report under this section in respect of every recordable donation referred to in subsections (2) and (3), giving all such details in respect of each donor thereof as are required by the Schedule to be given in respect of a donor of a recordable donation. Source: Section 12 (1), Political Donations Act, 2011

19.—(1) Within 31 days after the date of publication of the statement of the poll referred to in section 51 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 218) or, in the case of a presidential election, in section 34(1) of the Presidential Elections Act (Cap. 240A), the candidate and his election agent at that election or, in the case of a presidential election, the candidate and his principal election agent, shall send to the Registrar — (a) a donation report in the prescribed form in respect of every recordable donation referred to in subsections (2) and (3), giving all such details in respect of each donor thereof as are required by the Schedule to be given in respect of a donor of a recordable donation; and (b) a declaration under subsection (4) and such other declarations under subsection (5), if applicable. Source: Section 19 (1), Political Donations Act, 2011

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
Code
Yes
Source

10.—(1) The Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may at any time by
notice under his hand order any registered society to furnish him with
any such information as he may require concerning the society or any
documents, accounts and books relating to the society. Source: Section 10 (1), Societies Act, 2014

74.—(1) Within 31 days after the date of publication of the result of
an election in the Gazette, the election agent of every candidate at that
election shall transmit to the Returning Officer a true return (referred
to in this Act as the return respecting election expenses), in Form 19 in
the First Schedule, containing detailed statements as respects that
candidate of —  Section 74 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
Code
  • EMB
  • Special agency for political finance
Source

7.—(1) The Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, appoint a
public officer to be the Registrar of Political Donations for the
purposes of this Act, and such number of Assistant Registrars of
Political Donations as he considers necessary. Source: Section 7, Political Donations Act, 2011

10.—(1) The Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may at any time by
notice under his hand order any registered society to furnish him with
any such information as he may require concerning the society or any
documents, accounts and books relating to the society. Source: Section 10 (1), Societies Act, 2014

74.—(1) Within 31 days after the date of publication of the result of
an election in the Gazette, the election agent of every candidate at that
election shall transmit to the Returning Officer a true return (referred
to in this Act as the return respecting election expenses), in Form 19 in
the First Schedule, containing detailed statements as respects that
candidate of —
 Section 74 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
  • Court
  • Special agency for political finance
Source

7.—(1) The Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, appoint a
public officer to be the Registrar of Political Donations for the
purposes of this Act, and such number of Assistant Registrars of
Political Donations as he considers necessary. Source: Section 7, Political Donations Act, 2011

92.—(1) Every application under section 90 shall be heard by the
Chief Justice or by a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the
Chief Justice for the purpose. Source: Section 92 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

10.—(1) The Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may at any time by
notice under his hand order any registered society to furnish him with
any such information as he may require concerning the society or any
documents, accounts and books relating to the society. Source: Section 10 (1), Societies Act, 2014

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
Request additional information from potential violator Impose sanctions
Source

29.—(1) The Registrar may by notice require the relevant person in
the case of any political association —
(a) to produce, for inspection by the Registrar or a person
authorised by the Registrar, any such books, documents or
other records relating to the income and expenditure of the
political association as the Registrar may reasonably require
for the purposes of the carrying out by his function under this
Act; or
(b) to furnish the Registrar, or a person authorised by the
Registrar, with such information or explanation relating to
the income and expenditure of the political association as the
Registrar may reasonably so require,
and to do so within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice.
(2) The Registrar, or a person authorised by the Registrar, may —
(a) make copies of, or records of any information contained in,
any books, documents or other records produced under
subsection (1)(a); or
(b) make copies or records of any information or explanation
furnished under subsection (1)(b).
(3) The Registrar or a person authorised in writing by the Registrar
may, for the purposes of the carrying out of his functions, enter at any
reasonable time premises occupied by a political association and
having entered any such premises may —
(a) inspect any books, documents or other records relating to the
income and expenditure of the political association; and
(b) make copies of, or records of any information contained in,
any such books, documents or other records. Source: Section 29, Political Donations Act, 2011

92.—(1) Every application under section 90 shall be heard by the
Chief Justice or by a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the
Chief Justice for the purpose.
(2) The Chief Justice or the Judge so nominated is referred to in this
Act as the Election Judge.
(3) Witnesses shall be subpoenaed and sworn in the same manner as
nearly as circumstances admit as in a trial by the High Court in the
exercise of its original civil jurisdiction and shall be subject to the
same penalties for the giving of false evidence.
(4) On the hearing of an application under section 90, the Election
Judge may, by order under his hand, compel the attendance of any
person as a witness who appears to him to have been concerned in the
election to which the application refers.
(5) Any person refusing to obey the order of the Election Judge
under subsection (4) shall be guilty of contempt of court.
(6) The Election Judge may examine any witness so compelled to
attend or any person in court, although the witness is not called and
examined by any party to the application.
(7) After the examination of a witness by the Election Judge, the
witness may be cross-examined by or on behalf of the applicant and
the respondent, or either of them.
(8) The Election Judge shall be attended on the hearing of an
application under section 90 in the same manner as if he were a Judge
of the High Court.
(9) Unless otherwise ordered by the Chief Justice, all interlocutory
matters in connection with an application under section 90 may be
dealt with and decided by any Judge of the High Court.
Source: Section 92 (1), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

10.—(1) The Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may at any time by
notice under his hand order any registered society to furnish him with
any such information as he may require concerning the society or any
documents, accounts and books relating to the society. Source: Section 10 (1), Societies Act, 2014

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
Code
  • Fines
  • Prison
  • Forfeiture
  • Deregistration of party
  • Loss of nomination of candidate
  • Other
Comment

OTHER: Suspension of candidate

Source

45.—(1) Subject to this Article, a person shall not be qualified to be
a Member of Parliament who —
(a) is and has been found or declared to be of unsound mind;
(b) is an undischarged bankrupt;
(c) holds an office of profit;
(d) having been nominated for election to Parliament or the
office of President or having acted as election agent to a
person so nominated, has failed to lodge any return of
election expenses required by law within the time and in the
manner so required;
Section 45, Constitution, 2015

24.—(1) Whenever it appears to the Minister that —
(a) any registered society is being used for unlawful purposes or
for purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good
order in Singapore;
(aa) the registration of any society has been procured by fraud or
misrepresentation;
(b) any registered society is being used for purposes
incompatible with the objects and rules of the society;
(c) the rules of any registered society are or have been
inadequate for its proper management and control and the
registered society has failed without reasonable cause to
amend its rules within 3 months of, and in accordance with, a
direction from the Registrar to amend its rules for those
purposes;
(d) the rules of any registered society which is a political
association do not provide for its membership to be confined
to Singapore citizens, and the society has failed without
reasonable cause to amend its rules within 3 months of, and
in accordance with, a direction from the Registrar to amend
its rules for those purposes;
(e) any registered society which is a political association has
such an affiliation or connection with any organisation
outside Singapore as is considered by the Registrar to be
contrary to the national interest, and has failed to satisfy the
Registrar that it has taken appropriate action to sever that
affiliation or connection within 3 months of, and in
accordance with, a direction from the Registrar to take
such action; or
(f) any registered society has wilfully contravened any
provision of this Act or of any regulations made
thereunder, or of any of the rules of the society,
the Minister may order that the society shall be dissolved.
Source: Section 24 (1), Societies Act, 2014

61.—(1) Every person who —
(a) commits the offence of personation, or aids, abets, counsels or
procures the commission of the offence of personation;
(b) commits the offence of treating, undue influence or bribery;
(c) publishes or causes to be published any election advertising
during the period beginning with the day the writ of election is
issued for an election and ending with the start of polling day
at that election which —
(i) in the case of election advertising that is, or is
contained in, a printed document, does not bear on
its face or, if there is more than one side of printed
matter, on the first or last page of the document, the
names and addresses of its printer, its publisher and the
person for whom or at whose direction the election
advertising is published; or
(ii) in the case of any other election advertising, does not
bear in the form and manner prescribed under
section 78A the names and addresses of its publisher
and the person for whom or at whose direction the
election advertising is published;
(d) makes or publishes, before or during any election, for the
purpose of affecting the return of any candidate, any false
statement of fact in relation to the personal character or
conduct of the candidate;
(e) makes or publishes, before or during any election, for the
purpose of promoting or procuring the election of any
candidate, any false statement of the withdrawal of any
other candidate at the election; or
(f) being a candidate or an election agent, knowingly makes the
declaration as to election expenses required by section 74
falsely,
shall be guilty of a corrupt practice and shall on conviction by a
District Court be liable —
(i) in the case referred to in paragraph (a), to a fine not exceeding
$5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or
to both;
(ii) in the case referred to in paragraph (b), to a fine not exceeding
$5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or
to both;
(iii) in the case referred to in paragraph (c), to a fine not exceeding
$1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12
months or to both;
(iv) in the case referred to in paragraph (d) or (e), to a fine or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both;
or
(v) in the case referred to in paragraph (f), to a fine not exceeding
$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months
or to both.
(2) Every person who is convicted of a corrupt practice shall
become incapable for a period of 7 years from the date of his
conviction of being registered as an elector or of voting at any election
under this Act or of being elected as the President or a Member, and if
at that date he has been elected a Member, his election shall be vacated
from the date of the conviction.
Source: Section 61, Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

(3) If the return and statements are not transmitted before the
expiration of the time limited for the purpose, the candidate shall not
after the expiration of the time sit or vote in Parliament as a Member
until either the return and statements have been transmitted or until the
date of the allowance of such authorised excuse for failure to transmit
them as in this Act mentioned. Source: Section 74 (3), Parliamentary Elections Act, 2015

22.—(1) Where any donation report or declaration which is required
under section 12(1), 13 or 19(1) to be sent to the Registrar is not so
sent within the time limited under the applicable section, then —
(a) in the case of a donation report or declaration required under
section 12(1) or 13, the responsible officers of the political
association in question shall each be guilty of an offence and
shall each be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding
$2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further
fine not exceeding $500 for every day or part thereof during
which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b) in the case of a donation report or declaration required under
section 19(1), the candidate at an election and his election
agent in question or (as the case may be) the candidate at a
presidential election and his principal election agent in
question, shall each be guilty of an offence and shall each be
liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in
the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not
exceeding $500 for every day or part thereof during which
the offence continues after conviction.
(2) If a donation report under section 12 or 19 is sent to the
Registrar, but such a report does not comply with the requirements of
section 12 or, as the case may be, section 19 as regards the recording
of donations in such report, then —
(a) in the case of a donation report under section 12, the
responsible officers of the political association in question
shall each be guilty of an offence and shall each be liable on
conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000; or
(b) in the case of a donation report under section 19, the
candidate and his election agent or agents in question shall
each be guilty of an offence and shall each be liable on
conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
(3) Where any person is charged with an offence under
subsection (1) or (2), it shall be a defence to prove that he took all
reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence to ensure that any
requirements —
(a) as regards preparation or sending of a donation report; or
(b) as regards the information to be given in any donation report,
as the case may be, have been complied with in relation to the
donation report.
(4) Where the court is satisfied, on an application made by the
Public Prosecutor, that any failure to comply with any such
requirements in relation to any donation received by a political
association, candidate or election agent was attributable to an
intention on the part of any person to conceal the existence or true
amount of the donation, the court may order the forfeiture of an
amount equal to the value of the donation.
(5) Sections 11 and 17 shall apply in connection with an application
under subsection (4) with the necessary modifications.
(6) Any person who makes a false declaration under section 13,
18(1)(b) or 19(4) or (5) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable
on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or
subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.
(7) Where any responsible officer of a political association,
candidate or election agent is charged with an offence under
subsection (6), it shall be a defence to prove that he did not know
and could not reasonably have known that the declaration was false.

23.—(1) Where a person —
(a) enters into; or
(b) knowingly does any act in furtherance of,
any arrangement which facilitates or is likely to facilitate, whether by
means of any concealment or disguise or otherwise, the making of
donations to a candidate, election agent or political association by any
person or body other than a permissible donor, he shall be guilty of an
offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding
$3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to
both.
(2) Where a person —
(a) knowingly gives an officer of a political association or a
candidate or his election agent any information relating to the
identity of the donor or the amount of any donation made to
the political association or the candidate or election agent or
to the person or body making such a donation, which is false
in a material particular; or
(b) with intent to deceive, withholds from any officer of a
political association or a candidate or his election agent any
material information relating to the identity of the donor or
the amount of any donation made to the political association
or candidate or election agent or to the person or body
making such a donation,
he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a
fine not exceeding $3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
12 months or to both.

24. Any donor to which section 21 applies who —
(a) delivers a donation report under section 21 which does not
comply with subsection (2) of that section;
(b) fails to deliver such donation report in accordance with
section 21(3) or such a report, when delivered by him, is not
accompanied by a declaration under section 21(4); or
(c) knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under
section 21(4),
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine
not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a
further fine not exceeding $500 for every day or part thereof during
which the offence continues after conviction.

25.—(1) Where an offence under this Act committed by a body
corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or
connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of —
(a) any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the
body; or
(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,
he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and
shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2) Where the affairs of the body corporate are managed by its
members, subsection (1) shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults
of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he
were a director of the body corporate.
(3) Proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed
under this Act by an unincorporated association shall be brought
against the association in its own name (and not in that of any of its
members) and, for the purposes of any such proceedings, any rules of
court relating to service of documents shall have effect as if the
association were a corporation.
(4) A fine imposed on an unincorporated association on its
conviction for an offence under this Act shall be paid out of the
funds of the association.
(5) Where a partnership is guilty of an offence under this Act, every
partner (other than a partner who is proved to have been ignorant of, or
to have attempted to prevent the commission of, the offence) shall also
be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and
punished accordingly.
(6) Where any other unincorporated association is guilty of an
offence under this Act —
(a) every officer of the association who is bound to fulfil any
duty of which the offence is a breach; or
(b) if there is no such officer, every member of the committee or
other similar governing body (other than a member who is
proved to have been ignorant of, or to have attempted to
prevent the commission of, the offence),
shall also be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to be proceeded
against and punished accordingly.

26. Every offence under this Part shall be deemed to be a seizable
offence within the meaning of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cap. 68).

Source: Sections 22-26, Political Donations Act, 2011

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