Democracy News

Singapore’s Ruling Party Retains Power by Small Margin Following Parliamentary Election
May 10, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On May 7, results from Singapore’s parliamentary election showed that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s People’s Action Party (PAP) retained power, but received the smallest margin of popular votes in the party’s history. The election’s results have now tripled the number of opposition representatives in parliament. PAP has been in power since Singapore declared independence from Britain in 1965.

Despite the fact that PAP won 81 out of 87 parliamentary seats and 60.1 percent of the popular vote in the polls, according to BBC News, the election’s results add pressure on Lee to reach out to the growing number of Singaporeans who have questioned government policies through the ballot box.

The run-up to the election brought out tens of thousands of Singaporeans to rallies in support of PAP as well as opposition parties. The opposition based its message on the rising cost of living and competition with foreigners for jobs and housing. According to the New York Times, PAP has delivered a 41-fold jump in gross domestic product since it took power in 1965. The government’s economic plan combines a focus on education, homeownership, business friendliness and strict laws to boost the wealth of citizens.

Commenting on the election’s results, Suzaina Kadir – a senior lecturer at Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy – told Reuters, “The political landscape has changed forever, there’s a serious questioning of the PAP’s continued dominance. Now the work begins for the opposition.”

Singapore’s politicians competed in single-seat wards or multiple-seat districts called Group Representation Constituencies, or GRCs. The party that receives the most number of votes in a district sends all of its members to parliament. BBC News reported the Workers’ Party won the five-seat district of Aljunied and the single-seat Hougang constituency. Workers’ Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang and Chairman Sylvia Lim called for a stronger voice in parliament and more affordable public housing. Secretary-General Low stated, “Your votes tell the world that you want Singapore to mature as a democracy, and you want to tell the government that you want a more responsible, inclusive, transparent, accountable government.”

PAP encountered a more vocal electorate than ever before, prompting a rare apology from Lee for failing to build enough public housing and expand transport links as the population grew. According to the New York Times, Lee stated, “While voters have given the PAP a strong mandate, many voters including some of those who have voted for us have also clearly expressed their significant concerns, both on issues and on our approach to government, we hear all your voices.”

Although Singapore is widely viewed as an economic success by the international community the income gap in the country has widened.

For previous news on Singapore, please see:
High Court Overrules Acquittal of Singapore Activists

Sources:
The Economist – Low expectations

New York Times – Vote Forces Singapore’s Leader to Reconsider Style

Reuters – Singapore ruling party retains power but PM eyes change

BBC News – Singapore opposition make 'landmark' election gains