When does a Singapore Parliament election have to be held?

Last updated on May 5, 2011

Parliament shall stand dissolved 5 years from the date of its first sitting, unless dissolved sooner. In other words, the maximum term is 5 years before elections have to be held, according to Article 65(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore.

Usually, Parliament is dissolved sooner, and Article 65(3) states that the President may dissolve Parliament at any time if advised by the Prime Minister. The President can withhold his consent if he is not satisfied that the Prime Minister commands the confidence of the majority of Parliament.

In the practical sense, the Prime Minister has discretion in deciding the date of the election before the end of 5 years.

General Election

Conducting the Election
  1. Voting in the Singapore General Election
  2. Singapore General Elections: Voting Criteria and Election Procedure
  3. Explaining the Singapore General Election process in 4 points
  4. Is it compulsory to vote in the elections?
  5. When does a Singapore Parliament election have to be held?
  6. What is section 49, sub section 7E, paragraph A of the Parliamentary Elections Act?
Candidates
  1. Who can be a candidate in the general elections?
  2. Is it better to run as a party candidate or as an independent?
After the Election
  1. Does the Speaker of Parliament have to be a Member of Parliament?
  2. What are the Functions and Duties of a Town Council?
  3. Leader of the Opposition in Singapore: Roles and Resources
  4. What is the monthly allowance for a Singapore Member of Parliament (MP)?
  5. What is the monthly allowance for a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP)?
  6. Is it possible for Singapore to have a coalition government in the future?