Singapore, a nation where the People's Action Party (PAP) has been in power since 1959, professes to be a democracy. In the upcoming general election on May 3rd, the PAP is expected to secure another landslide victory. However, the opposition parties are striving to expand their support base despite a restricted campaign environment. Media control and a short campaign period work in favor of the ruling party.
As Singapore held its general election on May 3rd, rising inflation emerged as a key issue. Despite the opposition's efforts to increase their support, the ruling PAP is widely expected to win overwhelmingly.
Singapore has 2.76 million eligible voters, and voting is mandatory. The PAP has been in power since gaining self-governance from the UK in 1959. This election is seen as a critical test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took over from former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in December last year.
Michael Barr, an associate professor at Flinders University, stated, "This election is very important for Lawrence Wong. If he underperforms, that is, if his support drops or the opposition gains more seats, he will inevitably feel insecure."
However, opinion polls suggest a landslide victory for the PAP. A YouGov poll released in early April showed that 63% of respondents intended to vote for the PAP, while only 15% planned to vote for the main opposition party, the Workers' Party.
During a PAP rally this week, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong argued, "A vote for the opposition is not a free vote for more alternative voices in Parliament. It is a vote to weaken the PAP team that is truly working for the people. It will weaken us at a time when our nation faces real and serious challenges."
In the 2020 general election, the Workers' Party secured 10 out of 93 seats, achieving their best result ever. Workers' Party leader Pritam Singh stated in a campaign video, "The Workers' Party's medium-term goal is to secure at least one-third of the seats in the House. We want a Singapore with a political system where people, regardless of their position in life, can express their views."
According to the YouGov poll, the biggest concern among Singaporeans is the cost of living, with 72% citing it as the most important issue. The opposition criticizes the government for mismanaging inflation and housing problems.
However, the opposition is campaigning in a restricted environment. Several months before the election, Pritam Singh was convicted of perjury by a parliamentary committee and fined 14,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 16,672 US dollars). Critics claim the charges were fabricated. He intends to appeal the verdict.
Human rights groups have long criticized the PAP for using the legal system to suppress political dissent. Michael Barr said, "This election will be free in the sense that the ballot boxes will not be rigged. However, it will not be fair. Given the government's control of the media and the level of intimidation, we do not expect the government to secure less than 85% of the seats."
The government recently ordered Facebook to block posts supporting opposition candidates, including posts by an Australian citizen who grew up in Singapore, claiming they were "foreign interference" in Singaporean politics. Several Singapore-based analysts declined to be interviewed due to fear of official reprisal.
Han Hui Hui, a candidate for the Reform Party, a coalition of minority parties without current seats, is running in the Tanjong Pagar constituency, known as a PAP stronghold.
Han Hui Hui said, "People are concerned that the government is not functioning properly. They are also very afraid to vote for the opposition." As a mother of three, she added that the cost of living and deepening inequality are major concerns for voters. These concerns have intensified, especially after the government increased the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 3% to 9% earlier this year.
The aftermath of the Trump administration's tariffs and trade war with China has raised significant concerns for trade-dependent Singapore. Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, warned last month that Singapore cannot rule out the possibility of a recession.
"We are facing the most serious challenges to the global rules-based economic order," said Gan. "We must prepare for a more protectionist, unstable, and fragmented world."
Although the Trump administration's tariffs were the lowest at 10%, Southeast Asian countries are vulnerable to a potential global recession.
In Tanjong Pagar, Han Hui Hui knows she has little chance of defeating the PAP. However, she emphasized the importance of Singaporeans having a choice in the vote and having an opposition to check the ruling party.
"They say, 'Why did you come here? You can never win in this constituency.' It's a difficult task, but someone has to take the first step," she said. "I am willing to take that first step, even knowing I won't win."
Singapore's general election is expected to result in a landslide victory for the ruling party. However, the opposition's challenge amidst economic hardships and voter concerns presents a complex scenario.
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