Thread by @kixes

#Singapore goes to the polls on 10 July, even as we take careful steps out of a #COVID19 lockdown. Due to the pandemic, special guidelines will make this election unlike any other that came before. I write a #wethecitizens issue on what this means. wethecitizens.substack.com/p/here-comes-g…

Analysts, observers, and the media have focused a lot on how these #COVID19 restrictions will affect political parties, and who will be at an advantage/disadvantage. This is understandable, but I’d like to highlight the loss to the average Singaporean too.

#Singapore is a country where you can’t usually have large political gatherings in physical spaces. There’s only one park in the country where you can gather for “a cause” (defines broadly) without applying for prior police permission.

But election-time usually means RALLIES! This is when large numbers of Singaporeans can gather in stadiums and fields to listen to political speeches, safe in the knowledge that it‘s completely legal.

And Singaporeans TURN UP. @wpsg rallies especially draw large crowds.

I remember as a first-time voter and young Singaporean attending my first rallies in 2011, it was really quite exciting. I had never seen so many Singaporeans gathered in a physical space for political activity before. It wasn’t something that would be possible any other time.

People (not all, but many) would often also speak more openly about politics and their views in these spaces, since there was an assumption that they were relatively safe and among politically aligned people. The buzz and the sense of collectivity was empowering.

Elections are communal activities. People come together to discuss, engage, get excited. It makes you feel part of something bigger. It’s inspiring & motivating. That’s why parties and citizen journalism platforms like @tocsg saw surges in volunteers.

This hype will be harder to generate and sustain during an election like #GE2020 where we won’t have these rallies and physical coming together. It’s really different feeling the hum of thousands on the field, and listening to a candidate over FB Live in your bedroom.

I feel sorry that there are first-time voters for whom #GE2020 might come across more like high-stakes social media fights and Zoom lectures than the thrilling, intense experiences that elections are in a place as starved of regular political engagement as #Singapore.

But! This doesn’t mean we have to just sit back and be bored! Read up on party platforms and talk to your friends (in groups of 5 or fewer if in person, or as many as you want to include online). Express yourself, but also listen to feedback and differing opinions.

Among your friends and family, get one another interested. Support each other in learning and following arguments. Verify information before spreading it. Stand up against bullies who might harass others. Volunteer as polling or counting agents! 🗳