SINGAPORE: Singaporeans voted on Friday in the most hotly contested election in the country’s history after massive turnouts at opposition rallies boosted chances that a two-party system will emerge from half a century of domination by the ruling party.
The People’s Action Party (PAP), co-founded by the late independence leader Lee Kuan Yew and now led by his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is widely expected to retain a clear majority in the 89-seat Parliament.
But the percentage of votes the party garners will be closely watched as a barometer of its popularity during tough economic times.
Analysts however say an emboldened opposition, buoyed by turnouts of up to 30,000 at its campaign rallies in contrast to weak attendance at PAP gatherings, could make further inroads after gains in the 2011 polls.
Riding on a wave of public dissatisfaction the opposition hopes to increase its strength in Parliament from the meagre seven seats it currently holds, all by the Workers’ Party.
During the campaign they emphasized the growing income disparity, restrictions on free speech, overcrowding caused by immigration and rising cost of living — Singapore is the world’s most expensive city according to an international survey.
“Every election is different. We always watch carefully. We have done our best,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said after casting his vote.
“This is a major turning point for Singapore.” The PAP, which steered the former British colony to prosperity while using an iron fist to suppress dissent, was stunned in 2011 when its share of votes plunged to 60 percent, its lowest ever.
Government control of mainstream media was undermined in the recent campaign by independent portals and the opposition’s aggressive use of social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Polls closed at 1200GMT after staying open for 12 hours and voting was orderly.
But the PAP also hopes to capitalize on a sympathy wave following the death of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, in March. Lee, a PAP stalwart, became the country’s first prime minister at independence in 1965, and remained in office until 1990.