Singapore is gearing up for a general election this Saturday, with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) poised to maintain its long-standing dominance. Dominating power since their independence in 1959, the PAP has never garnered less than 85 percent of the seats in parliament. With this year’s election come increasing concerns over the cost of living. To that end, voters have adopted it as the key touchstone to focus their ire.
The election comes on the heels of extraordinary political upheaval. Earlier this month, the government passed leadership from Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Wong’s government faces pressure from opposition parties that have criticized its management of inflation and housing issues amidst a trade-reliant economy susceptible to global downturns.
The Political Landscape
The PAP faces challenges from various opposition parties, including the People’s Alliance for Reform, represented by candidate Han Hui Hui in the Tanjong Pagar constituency, a traditional PAP stronghold. Although the Workers’ Party managed to secure 10 out of 93 parliamentary seats in the last election in 2020, many observers believe that the ruling party’s grip on power remains firm.
Workers’ Party leader Pritam Singh, addressing the difficulties opposition candidates face, expressed concern about the trend. He stated, “It’s certainly not fair. The level of intimidation and the government’s control of the media … We go into it just assuming that the government is never going to get less than 85 percent of the seats.” In doing so, he identified a specific medium-term target for the Workers’ Party. He wants them to win a third or more of parliamentary districts and build a new political architecture that better reflects different opinions in its ranks.
Prime Minister Wong repeatedly cautioned voters against making the PAP any weaker. He asserted, “It will weaken us at a time when our country is facing real and serious challenges.” Wong further emphasized that this election is “not a free vote for more alternative voices in parliament,” indicating that stability may be a priority for many voters in uncertain economic times.
Economic Concerns Take Center Stage
As Singaporeans prepare to cast their votes, a YouGov survey indicated that 72 percent of those surveyed consider the cost of living their most significant concern. In acknowledging the concerns of the public, Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong understood where the people were coming from. He added that Singapore should not rule out a recession. “We are facing the most serious challenge to the global rules-based economic order,” he remarked, underscoring the precariousness of Singapore’s trade-reliant economy.
Even still, many voters are understandably gunshy about voting for the challengers. Han Hui Hui shared her observations regarding voter sentiment: “I think people are concerned about how the government is not performing. They are very scared of voting for the opposition.” She illustrated a dominant attitude among voters who fear the very idea that other, future government would be able to rule competently.
“Their defence mechanism comes in: ‘[the opposition] have never run the government, so I can’t vote for them.’” – Han Hui Hui
Han Hui Hui’s candidacy is a chance to diversify voices in parliament, particularly with the elder population set to grow significantly. She knows that her odds of winning are unlikely, but she is undeterred. “I’m willing to be the person to take the first step, knowing I will not win,” she stated. Her perseverance speaks to the deep and powerful yearning of voters like her for more women and better representation.
The Role of Freedom of Expression
With these electoral dynamics has come a troubling hostility toward freedom of expression and political discourse. The Singaporean government has taken draconian measures to restrict speech, such as requiring Facebook to shut down posts calling for support of opposition candidates. Critics of these measures insist that they only serve to further solidify the PAP’s grip on power and silence competing narratives.
Singaporean opposition politician Pritam Singh expressed his disapproval of the limitations. As he claimed, they ensure that a level playing field is all but impossible. He argued that without a genuine platform for diverse opinions, voters remain confined within an unchallenged narrative dominated by the ruling party.
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