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Ariffin Sha says opposition parties advocate for lower voting age

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member Ariffin Sha, who contested in the recently concluded general election, recently advocated on social media for a lower voting age.

In a post on Wednesday (21 May), he noted that the SDP, Workers’ Party (WP), and Progress Singapore Party (PSP) have all called for the voting age to be lowered to 18.

Mr Ariffin then questioned whether such a proposal would receive support across all parties if tabled.

“Our Government often waxes lyrical about the youth, but Singapore’s voting age of 21 remains one of the highest in the world,” said the legal executive and founder of the alternative news site Wake Up Singapore.

“Time is ripe for reform,” says SDP’s Ariffin Sha

In his post, Mr Ariffin made several points arguing for such a change.

Firstly, he pointed out that even though 18-year-olds in Singapore can become counting agents during the elections, they still cannot vote themselves.

He further noted that if someone that age is old enough “get married, serve the nation, and hold a rifle”, they should be old enough to have a say in the future of Singapore.

“The time is ripe for reform. We need to empower the young and the future of our nation,” wrote Mr Ariffin.

He also disputed the common assumption that age is a reflection of maturity.

Netizens are divided on the topic

The topic gained mixed reactions on social media.

Some users agreed that young people should be able to vote for their future, with one commenter believing that those above a certain age should no longer vote, as the results impact them less in the long term.

“If there’s a lower minimum age, there should also be a max cut off age of 70,” wrote the netizen.

Source: Ariffin Sha on Facebook

Meanwhile, those who disagreed held the opinion that “youngsters” would not understand the consequences of their votes, let alone know who is in Government.

One user even suggested that the voting age be increased to at least 25 years old.

Source: Ariffin Sha on Facebook

For another netizen, her experience of becoming a mother made her realise she was too idealistic at 18, noting that the way she thinks has changed drastically since then.

Source: @suchabohr on TikTok

Also read: ‘Do not hold S’poreans hostage’: SDP’s Ariffin Sha slams PM Wong’s claim that voting opposition weakens Cabinet

‘Do not hold S’poreans hostage’: SDP’s Ariffin Sha slams PM Wong’s claim that voting opposition weakens Cabinet

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