This historic election can be summarised in five words: Mandate, leader, consolidation, COVID-19, and weathering.

I am disappointed with the overall general election. It was a missed opportunity not to have substantial, substantive discussions about our socio-economic and social welfare policies.

Three weeks ago, I asked veteran journalist Bertha Henson about her experience of reporting an election and the election issues to which she is paying attention. Today, on the eve of Cooling-Off Day, we ask her how GE2020 compares to past general elections, how she’s been following the election, as well as what she thought of the overall campaign.

In many ways, the battle for Sengkang GRC feels like a microcosm of GE2020.

With just two days of campaigning to go, there is growing frustration that GE2020 has gone off track. We are distracted by the personality politics. The appeals to xenophobia and populism. The disproportionate focus on the candidates and even divisive politicking.