SINGAPORE \u2013 More than 2.4 million ballot papers and other documents used in the 2025 General Election were set alight on Nov 22, part of the process to ensure the secrecy of the vote.<\/p>\n
The sealed boxes containing the papers and documents were removed in the morning from the Supreme Court vault and transported to the Tuas South Incineration Plant.<\/p>\n
The move is in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act.<\/p>\n
Under the law, ballot papers and other documents used in an election must be sealed and kept in safe custody for six months after they are counted at the end of polling, in case of any legal challenges.<\/p>\n
They are then destroyed in front of witnesses \u2013 including election candidates from the various parties, their agents, as well as election department officials \u2013 to ensure that the votes stay secret.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post on Nov 22, Workers\u2019 Party candidate for Punggol GRC Jackson Au, who was present at the event, wrote: \u201cThere\u2019s always an urban myth circulating that voters can somehow be \u2018marked\u2019 or face repercussions for voting along certain lines. Such fears can unfairly weigh in on the considerations for some voters.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us reassure you: your vote is sacred, anonymous, and completely secret.\u201d<\/p>\n