BBC - Singapore's election analyst: Southeast Asian Expert, Michael Montesano (09 May 2011)

Singapore opposition make 'landmark' election gains
9 May 2011 Last updated at 06.03 GMT

The governing party in Singapore has won all but six seats in parliamentary elections, but the opposition has made significant gains.

The People's Action Party (PAP), in power for more than 40 years, won 81 out of 87 seats.

But the opposition described its own wins, including a seat held by the country's foreign minister, as a "political landmark".

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed it was a "watershed election".

Politics in the tiny but hugely wealthy state have been dominated by the current ruling party since independence in 1965.

'Distinct shift'

"It marks a distinct shift in our political landscape," Mr Lee told an early morning news conference on Sunday.

"Many [Singaporeans] wish for the government to adopt a different style and approach," he said. "Many desire to see more opposition voices in parliament to check the PAP government."

He said his party would undergo some "soul-searching" and expressed willingness to work with lawmakers from the opposition.

Although the ruling party won the great majority of seats, the party's share of the popular vote slipped to around 60% from around 67% at the last election, the results showed.

The share of seats means that the party retains the two-thirds majority allowing it to amend the constitution.

However, the opposition wins represent their best performance since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian federation in 1965.

Compulsory voting ensured a high turnout in Saturday's vote, with close to 2.06 million people - 93% of the electorate - taking part.

The BBC's South East Asia correspondent Rachel Harvey says that for the first time in a Singapore election the many parties of the traditionally fragmented opposition adopted a co-ordinated strategy which allowed them to challenge almost every seat.

In addition, the explosion of new media has opened up greater space for debate in a country where traditional platforms - TV, radio and newspapers - are strictly controlled, she says.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13313695

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http://www.temasekreview.com

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[DiarySG]

David Teo Tah Wei I disagree with the difference of past and present immigrants. In the past those immigrants also din treat Singapore as homeland. I think we need to put things into proper perspective and not just be cynical and critical for the sake of it. There should not be a backlash against Foreign talents. It is not their fault. Else Singapore will become a very ungracious society.

[DiarySG]

Ivan Lu Although I think the BBC should have said something about GRCs (Group Representation Constituency in SINGAPORE). The 60% figure doesn't make any sense until you realise that voters can't even conduct an up or down vote on crappy candidates alone without judging other candidates.

about an hour ago · Like · 3 people

[DiarySG]

He's right. There is a difference between immigrants for the past who wants to settle here permanently and immigrants now who have other motives. Let's welcome and help those genuine immigrants who wants to settle and not those on transit. Govt policies should be changed to different the two.

- Chua Siong Tiong

[rockyboy467]

@cech01  - SORE LOSER

[cech01]

FUCKING NONSENSE

[ngdj999]

@garytay81 and another thing, I have made many precious friends here. And I actually appreciate them so much I can't just "LEAVE!" now. And I'm glad I have not because I saw progress in the social status here. For example there's PINK DOT which I will be attending. And even though I can't vote, I still root for parties that I believe in for a better Singapore because I care more than my local friends here.

[ngdj999]

@garytay81 C'est une chose assez impolie à dire. And I'm staying for education, safety and family. If you can't appreciate either one of them, then i don't have anything to say to you. The government isn't even providing us anything else other than my education. We pay for everything and never once asked them to help us with anything. We leave the government alone. Foreigners can't ask for anything. We just need a peaceful and safe home here. Be thankful you are being provided. Ciao.

[garytay81]

@ngdj999 So your one of those that isn't staying... time to get out NOW.

[ngdj999]

I worked my ass off for my PR because of education and family. I have to stay in Singapore for as long as possible.

[leonlim007]

His mouth is... BIG... and permanently smiling.... did you notice that?

[RavenNeo]

@tinyRedLeaf Perhaps but I have spoken to some people who end of the day on top of the other reasons to vote for PAP...whom say....I'm not sure...the Opposition has no track record...Erm,, not sure if change would be good...like hello, you dont give them a chance what track record are you talking about then.