15 symbols for independents

A ceiling fan, a rhinoceros and a whale are among a list of 15 approved symbols for use by candidates in the upcoming general election.

This list is for candidates, generally independents, who do not have a party symbol.

So far, the only person who has declared his intent to run as an independent is former National Solidarity Party chief Tan Lam Siong.

Mr Tan, who intends to stand in Potong Pasir in a three-way contest between the People's Action Party's Sitoh Yih Pin and Singapore People's Party's Lina Chiam, said he made his own logo - a red horse superimposed on a blue shield.

"We designed it some time back and we just submitted it for approval," he said.

According to the Parliamentary Elections Act, a candidate may choose a symbol that will represent him or her from among those approved, and the symbol should not have any racial or religious significance.

If chosen by a candidate, the symbol will be used during election campaigning and appear on the ballot paper beside the candidate's name.

For the coming elections which will take place on Sept 11, the candidate's photo will also appear alongside his or her name and symbol, the Elections Department said.

Candidates' photos on ballot papers were first introduced at the 2011 Presidential Election.

This article was first published on August 26, 2015.
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