Thread by @kixes

Since polling hours for #GE2020 have been extended and we've got a longer night ahead of us, I'd like to share this essay that I wrote for @restofworld, about how online spaces give Singaporeans an opportunity to take action in ways we can't offline: restofworld.org/2020/how-singa…

I was really lucky with my entry point: 2010, when the PAP government was still talking about taking a "light touch" with regulating online spaces and discourse, before the Internet Brigade trolls, and that window when they talked about a "new normal" of being more open.

But this #GE2020 has been fascinating to observe from this angle of online activism: because of #COVID19, so much had to move on to social media. But beyond what the political parties were doing, what was most incredible was the mobilisation of young Singaporeans.

I've never seen so many resources for political and voter education — not in the past two elections that I covered in 2011 and 2015. This #GE2020, there has been a proliferation of infographics, scorecards, online discussions, sharing of stories and concern for mental health.

These are young Singaporeans who take their duty as citizens *very* seriously. I received DMs from first-time voters with so many thoughtful questions demonstrating that they'd not only read manifestos, but thought hard about moral quandaries and other issues. #GE2020

They might be exposed to global struggles and issues, but their concerns aren't just "imported from the West/the Internet". Those who say that aren't giving the young people of #Singapore enough credit for their engagement, their intelligence, and their heart. #GE2020

These young SGeans might not be a big enough segment of electorate to make a big difference yet. But they can shift discourse. We saw it w/ the reaction to PAP's statement on investigation into @RaeesahKhanwpsg—they made it clear that this wasn't going to win them over. #GE2020

The physical restrictions on assembly in #Singapore are unjust and should be challenged. But our young digital natives are extremely adept at using tech to spread education, to engage in discourse, to learn and teach and grow together. #GE2020

I rely on the Internet for my work, my activism and my own growth, which is why it's such a personal, urgent need to push back against laws like #POFMA. But I'm also driven by the thought that we need to do all we can to keep this space open for the generations after us.

tl;dr Power to you all, hope you enjoy reading this restofworld.org/2020/how-singa…