With just days before Singapore heads to the polls on May 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued strict directives to curb alleged foreign influence on its elections.
In a statement released on April 25, the ministry confirmed it had directed Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to block access to certain posts for Singapore users.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), acting as the Assistant Returning Officer, invoked Section 61N of the Parliamentary Elections Act (PEA) to issue corrective orders to Meta.
These orders target online election advertising (OEA) by foreigners that attempt to sway voters.
Authorities cited posts by a Malaysian politician openly endorsing a candidate, and an Australian citizen—who renounced his Singapore citizenship in 2020—making public comments about the election
“These posts have been targeted at Singaporeans. They interfere with our domestic politics, which are reserved for our citizens,” the ministry warned.
The Ministry said foreign participation in Singapore’s elections is illegal.
“Foreigners must not direct, fund, or in any way influence Singapore’s elections,” it said, adding that breaches would be prosecuted under the PEA.
It also expressed concern about posts urging Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines.
This election will be the first conducted under social media regulations introduced in 2023.
The ruling People’s Action Party, which has dominated every election since 1965, is widely expected to retain power.
