Opinion | In Singapore’s election, can the PAP stem a rising opposition tide?
Long-term trends favour the opposition, but a fresh approach and focus on global affairs could boost the PAP’s mandate
This election is no different. If anything, it has become even more keenly anticipated because the opposition, especially the Workers’ Party (WP), appears to have been able to field credible candidates – including lawyers, doctors and other professionals – in greater numbers than in previous elections.
An air of expectation surrounds their chances.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), meanwhile, is led by a new prime minister facing his first election as leader with less preparation time than his predecessors, who were identified as such long before they assumed office.
So, back to the initial question: how many seats?
Two broad factors influence every election result in Singapore: long-term trends that shape the country’s politics and shorter term, sometimes unexpected, events that might affect voters.