Voters in Singapore go to the polls tomorrow to cast ballots in national elections. For the first time in the country’s 50-year history, every seat in Parliament will be up for election—following a campaign that’s surprising for a number of reasons. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
Right now, there are 87 elected seats in Singapore’s parliament. 80 of them are held by the People’s Action Party—which has ruled the country since its founding 50 years ago. No one expects the P.A.P. to lose power in this election, but analysts are watching to see how much clout is gained by rivals. The P.A.P. has been slipping in recent elections—taking a mere 60-percent of the votes in the 2011 general election—down from 67-percent five years earlier. Issues this time include immigration policy, rising prices, and attempts to build a credible political opposition.
Singapore being Singapore, does have some rules about election season. Campaigning is limited to nine days—and that doesn’t include election eve—called “cooling off day.” That means a day of no campaigning and no political ads...as the Straits Times puts it, the purpose is to let “voters reflect rationally on various issues raised at an election before going to the polls.”
And voters do go to the polls in Singapore - it’s the law. If you don’t vote, you lose your right to vote in the next election—unless you have a valid reason or pay a fine. And the names of those who don’t vote? Published on a list from the Singapore Elections Department.
