“Pro-PAP Fanpage Implies Opposition May Know Upcoming Election Date “

SINGAPORE: The pro-People’s Action Party (PAP) fanpage “Fabrications About the PAP” stirred conversation this week with a social media post suggesting that opposition figures may have insider knowledge about the timing of the next general election. The post came in response to Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Hazel Poa’s recent call for a used phone to help a needy individual, which the fanpage dismissed as “wayang,” meaning theatrical performance, and added, “GE coming soon?” hinting that opposition members may know more than the public.

In reality, opposition parties generally operate without any advance notice regarding election timing, unlike the ruling party. The Prime Minister’s office has exclusive control over the election schedule, allowing the PAP more latitude to prepare strategically while opposition parties are left to anticipate the announcement without certainty.

Increased activity on pro-PAP pages like Fabrications has prompted speculation that elections could be approaching, potentially sooner than the 2025 deadline. These accounts are often associated with the “PAP internet brigade” (IB), a group of online supporters tasked with defending the party, promoting its initiatives, and countering criticism on various platforms. This IB has faced criticism for allegedly stifling genuine grassroots expression through orchestrated, coordinated support for the ruling party’s agenda.

Some political commentators, like Andrew Loh, have interpreted these moves as early signs of an election, especially after a recent incident where a fabricated complaint on Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim’s page claimed certain blocks in Anchorvale were not maintained. Lim clarified that the mentioned blocks did not exist in his ward, leading Loh to comment, “Elections coming. Look out for these sorts of smears and falsehoods circulating.”