GE2020: Workers Party Politician Bernard Chen Predicts General Elections July Timeline

The Covid19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced last evening that Singapore will enter Phase 2 of its reopening on 19 June. This decision was based on the Taskforce's view that Covid19 is "under control". With Phase 2, Singaporeans can expect most activities to resume but with safety measures in place.

While many Singaporeans began rejoicing this Phase 2 announcement, The Workers' Party politican Bernard Chen Jiaxi eyed the Taskforce's decision more critically. Bernard Chen wrote in a Facebook post that Phase 2 was "nicely choreographed with the election in mind". He provided a suspected timeline for PAP to called for Parliament's dissolution:

• 18 June 2020: Singaporeans to receive Budget2020 cash payment
• 19 June 2020: Phase 2
• 20 June 2020: Heng Swee Keat will end the sixth ministerial TV broadcasts with a rallying cry

With all these feel-good factors, Bernard Chen predicts Parliament will be dissolved between 22 and 24 June 2020, giving all political parties a week to prepare. GE2020 may then see its Nomination Day on 1 July, Cooling-off Day on 10 July and Election Day as 11 July 2020.

He criticised this call to Phase 2 for GE2020 as the PAP prioritising its "narrow political interests" above the citizens' and country's interests.

While Bernard Chen thinks he may be "too cynical", his predicted timeline is similar to what some "political observers" expect. According to a 30 May 2020 Straits Times article, these political observers said GE2020 could be held as soon as Singapore enters Phase 2 and their expected Polling Day was also 11 July 2020.

The Elections Department (ELD) has not released its campaigning rules. If Parliament is really dissolved between 22 and 24 June 2020, has ELD kept its promise to give all parties sufficient to make their preparations?