NSP's Nicole Seah, 24, has been one of the revelations of this election campaign
By Nigel Tan
Chief Editor
Following a short but frantic nine-day campaign period, more than 2.2 million Singaporeans will cast their votes tomorrow as the nation’s most hotly-contested general election in history comes to a close.
82 out of the 87 seats in the next Parliament have seen a contest, with the PAP being elected unopposed in only Tanjong Pagar GRC.
While the PAP is expected to return to power once again with an overwhelming landslide, tomorrow could be the dawn of a new era in Singapore politics. Firstly, the PAP has already said that it has to re-invent itself and change its style of governance regardless of the results of the election. The widespread anger and resentment directed at the government over the course of the campaign has caused party leaders to sit up and take notice, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong even issuing an apology for not meeting Singaporeans’ expectations.
While most observers believe that the apology was prompted by unprecedented pressure from the opposition, it is evidently clear that the PAP cannot continue with “business as usual”, and must do better at connecting with citizens if it wants to stay in power beyond 2016.
Secondly, this election could also see the PAP losing a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the first time. While the opposition has come close to capturing Eunos, Cheng San and Aljunied GRCs in the past, there are keen contests in more than one GRC this time, something which has never occurred in any general election to date.
Aljunied, which sees the Workers’ Party’s top slate coming up against a PAP team led by Foreign Minister George Yeo, is expected to be the closest contest, with the WP having a genuine and realistic chance of winning. Apart from Aljunied, the opposition also has a realistic chance in the GRCs of Holland-Bukit Timah, East Coast, Bishan-Toa Payoh and even Marine Parade, though the latter is almost certain to be retained by the PAP.
Polling will take place between 8 am and 8 pm today. Coverage of polling results will be aired on all major television channels from 9.30 pm. Supporters may also gather at the Bedok, Jurong West or Toa Payoh stadiums (PAP), Hougang stadium (WP) or Clementi Stadium (Reform Party) to cheer on their candidates.
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The author is Chief Editor of The Satay Club
a weak opposition is WORST than a walkover !
it just waste the voters’ time !
I am a PAP-sponsored cum sucking whore
I can’t even vote. I am living in Tanjong Pagar GRC. I don’t understand how Grange Road is under Tanjong Pagar. I’m disappointed that I couldn’t have the opportunity to show my support for MM Lee Kuan Yew.
Some of my friends said they went to polling booth with intentions to vote for oppo. But because their names were called out loudly, and because they saw serial numbers on the ballot papers, they changed their mind and voted PAP.
I think that this is a MASSIVE problem.
Also, I wonder how many first-time voters mark their ballots with a tick instead of a cross.
Oh no, what were you thinking? Do you realise that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for change?
My family, friends and myself all voted for the opposition.
The tally from my side looks like this:
Aljunied – 2 votes for WP
Ang Mo Kio – 3 votes for RP
Holland-Bukit Timah – 2 votes for SDP
Marine Parade – 4 votes for NSP
Bukit Panjang – 2 votes for SDP
Chua Chu Kang – 1 vote for NSP
Hougang – 2 votes for WP
Bishan-Toa Payoh – 3 votes for SPP
Unfortunately I do not know anyone who lives in Aljunied.
COME ON SINGAPORE! IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE!
I’ve voted today, along with my husband and mother-in-law. 3 votes for PAP in East Coast GRC.
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