NATIONAL REFERENDUM (Applications for restoration of names to 1962 Registers of Electors)

Mr Ong Chang Sam asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many voters did not vote in the National Referendum held on 1st September, 1962; (b) how many of them applied for their names to be restored to the 1962 Registers of Electors; (c) how many have had their names restored in the 1962 Registers of Electors; and (d) how many applications were rejected and why.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, 53,581 persons did not vote at the National Referendum.

7,418 applied to have their names restored to the 1962 Register of Electors.

6,467 have had their names restored to the 1962 Register of Electors.

None were rejected.

Mr David Marshall: Could the Minister indicate then why the discrepancy between the number of applications and the number of restoration?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the difference of 951 applications is in respect of applicants who have not produced documentary evidence to prove their absence from Singapore in time for consideration and approval for inclusion in the 1962 Registers. They will, therefore, be considered in connection with the 1963 Registers.