Today, 2.3 million Singaporeans will head to the polls for the 11th general election since independence in 1965. Unlike days past, the outcome of this election is shrouded in uncertainty.
Battlelines have been drawn across 26 of the 27 constituencies. This includes all 12 of the single-member wards and 14 of the 15 group representations constituencies. The latter comprise between four and six individuals with caveats to ensure minority (non-Chinese) participation. In all, opposition candidates will contest 82 of 87 parliamentary seats. Their potency will be measured in swing votes.
The electoral threats to the ruling People's Action Party are embodied in voters' perceptions and grievances - including rising prices, hubris of the ruling party, million-dollar ministerial salaries, overpopulation and better treatment for foreigners - and credible opposition challenges. The opposition has capitalised on such sentiments and framed them as election issues to woo undecided voters. The ostensible calm hanging over the city state is perhaps a mask. There will be no illegal public forums and gatherings beyond designated venues. Street protests exist only on television screens.
By Samuel Chan - was an associate research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is a PhD (politics) candidate at the University of NSW, Australian Defence Force Academy.
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