ELECTRONIC VOTING IN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider using electronic voting at the next election of the President.

Mr Goh Chok Tong: In April last year, this House passed legislation to provide for the implementation of electronic voting in Singapore for both the presidential and parliamentary elections. The Elections Department then proceeded to develop an electronic voting system. Members will recall seeing a demonstration of the prototype last year. However, the electronic voting system could not be completed in time for the General Elections held in November 2001.

Given the pace of rapid technology changes, Elections Department is currently looking into developing another electronic voting system. If the system can be completed and certified for use in time, it will be implemented for voters in two SMCs at the next Presidential Election which is due to be held between 1st June and 31st August 2005.