Ballot papers from 2025 General Election incinerated to uphold vote secrecy

In accordance with Singapore’s Parliamentary Elections Act, more than 2.4 million ballot papers and election documents from the 2025 General Election were destroyed on 22 November, 2025.

The sealed boxes containing the materials were removed from the Supreme Court vault in the morning and transported under escort to the Tuas South Incineration Plant, where they were incinerated.

This marks the final stage of the election process, legally required to maintain the secrecy of the vote and public confidence in the electoral system.

According to the Elections Department, all ballot papers must be kept in sealed boxes and securely stored for six months following polling day, in case of legal challenges. After this period, they are destroyed under strict procedures in the presence of appointed witnesses.

Candidates and agents from multiple political parties observed the incineration process, which began with the retrieval of the boxes from the vault, continued with their transport to the incineration site, and concluded with the complete destruction of the contents.

Among those present was Jackson Au, the Workers’ Party (WP) candidate for Punggol GRC, who commented on the importance of the process.

In a Facebook post on 22 November, he wrote:

“There’s always an urban myth circulating that voters can somehow be ‘marked’ or face repercussions for voting along certain lines. Such fears can unfairly weigh in on the considerations for some voters. Let us reassure you: your vote is sacred, anonymous, and completely secret.”

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) also confirmed the attendance of its representatives. According to a Facebook post, Secretary-General Leong Mun Wai, along with candidates Harish Pillay and Jeffrey Khoo, observed the incineration from start to finish.

“By witnessing every stage, from the opening of the Strong Room to the final incineration, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, due process, and the integrity of Singapore’s electoral system,” the PSP stated.

Red Dot United (RDU) similarly sent a delegation, led by Treasurer Harish Mohanadas, to monitor the process from the Supreme Court vault at 7.30am through to the incineration.

RDU’s statement underscored the significance of maintaining public trust: “After every General Election, all used ballots and election documents are sealed in boxes. These boxes are kept under police escort and moved directly to the Supreme Court, where they are stored in the vault for six months. No one touches them. No one opens them. Unless a court orders it, which has never happened.”

The party further clarified that serial numbers on ballots are used solely to prevent fraud and duplication, not to identify voters.

“Today marked the final stage. Once the six-month period ends, the sealed boxes are taken out of the vault, placed on the transport bus, and escorted to the incineration plant. Nothing is opened. Nothing is inspected. Everything is destroyed.”

The 2025 General Election was held on 3 May, with more than 2.4 million Singaporeans casting their votes at 1,240 polling stations nationwide.

The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) won 65.57 percent of the popular vote, securing 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats. The Workers’ Party retained its 10 seats.

The incineration of the ballots is a legally mandated act under Singapore’s electoral framework to ensure no vote can be traced back to a specific individual, thereby reinforcing the anonymity of the ballot.

With representatives from the various political parties present to verify the process, the destruction of the 2025 General Election documents concluded without incident and in full compliance with electoral law.