Early election result estimates available with a new official system
For the first time in Singapore’s history, the public will have access to the official sample count result for the 2023 Presidential Election. This early indicator of the election outcome will be released by the Elections Department (ELD) on the night of September 1, 2023, between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. This timing is approximately two to three hours after polling stations close at 8:00 pm. The official final result is expected to be announced around midnight.
The purpose of the sample count is to provide an early snapshot of the election result, helping to prevent speculation and misinformation before the final tally is completed. It also allows election officials to cross-check with the final count, ensuring the accuracy of the final results. This is particularly important in close races where the final results could take hours to verify, as seen in past elections like the 2011 Presidential Election, where a recount was required.
During the sample count process, a random sample of 100 ballot papers is selected from various polling stations. These sample votes are tallied and weighted according to the number of voters at each polling station. Spoilt ballots are excluded, and votes from nursing homes are not included due to the smaller voter turnout in these locations.
Sample counts are considered highly accurate, with a 95% confidence rate and a margin of error of 4 percentage points. Previous comparisons have shown that the sample counts closely matched the official results, with discrepancies typically within 2 percentage points in most cases.
In contrast to general elections, where sample counts are provided for each constituency, the presidential election sample count will be for the nation as a whole.For the first time in Singapore’s history, the public will have access to the official sample count result for the 2023 Presidential Election. This early indicator of the election outcome will be released by the Elections Department (ELD) on the night of September 1, 2023, between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. This timing is approximately two to three hours after polling stations close at 8:00 pm. The official final result is expected to be announced around midnight.
The purpose of the sample count is to provide an early snapshot of the election result, helping to prevent speculation and misinformation before the final tally is completed. It also allows election officials to cross-check with the final count, ensuring the accuracy of the final results. This is particularly important in close races where the final results could take hours to verify, as seen in past elections like the 2011 Presidential Election, where a recount was required.
During the sample count process, a random sample of 100 ballot papers is selected from various polling stations. These sample votes are tallied and weighted according to the number of voters at each polling station. Spoilt ballots are excluded, and votes from nursing homes are not included due to the smaller voter turnout in these locations.
Sample counts are considered highly accurate, with a 95% confidence rate and a margin of error of 4 percentage points. Previous comparisons have shown that the sample counts closely matched the official results, with discrepancies typically within 2 percentage points in most cases.
In contrast to general elections, where sample counts are provided for each constituency, the presidential election sample count will be for the nation as a whole.
