Historic gains for Singapore opposition
Source: Agencies |
May 9, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SINGAPORE'S ruling party swept back to power as expected in the most contested general election since independence, but the opposition Workers' Party made historic gains and the prime minister signalled there would be change in the tightly governed city-state.
Lee Hsien Loong said it had been a watershed election that had altered Singapore. The tiny Southeast Asian nation is one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing in Asia but is tainted by criticism of political restrictions.
"It marks a distinct shift in our political landscape," Lee, the head of the long-ruling People's Action Party, told a news conference after the results were announced.
"Many (Singaporeans) wish for the government to adopt a different style and approach. Many desire to see more opposition voices in parliament to check the PAP government."
Analysts welcomed his comments but said they did not expect dramatic reforms.
"Profound change would be unrealistic," said Garry Rodan, a professor at Australia's Murdoch University who has written on Singapore politics.
"The real question we should be asking is whether this portends the possibility of change in the medium to long term."
Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at Singapore Management University, said: "You will have an evolution although some people might like to see a revolution."
The PAP secured 81 of 87 seats in parliament. The six seats that went to the opposition were the highest number it had taken.
Foreign Minister George Yeo was among the losers.
"You have made history tonight," Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang told supporters. "This is a political landmark in modern Singapore.
"Your votes tell us that Singapore is not just an economic success, Singapore is our home. Your votes tell us that you want Singapore to develop as a nation. Your votes tell the government you want a more responsive, inclusive, transparent and accountable government."
Although it was a sweeping win in terms of seats, the PAP's share of the popular vote slipped to around 60 percent, its worst showing since independence.
Lee Hsien Loong said it had been a watershed election that had altered Singapore. The tiny Southeast Asian nation is one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing in Asia but is tainted by criticism of political restrictions.
"It marks a distinct shift in our political landscape," Lee, the head of the long-ruling People's Action Party, told a news conference after the results were announced.
"Many (Singaporeans) wish for the government to adopt a different style and approach. Many desire to see more opposition voices in parliament to check the PAP government."
Analysts welcomed his comments but said they did not expect dramatic reforms.
"Profound change would be unrealistic," said Garry Rodan, a professor at Australia's Murdoch University who has written on Singapore politics.
"The real question we should be asking is whether this portends the possibility of change in the medium to long term."
Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at Singapore Management University, said: "You will have an evolution although some people might like to see a revolution."
The PAP secured 81 of 87 seats in parliament. The six seats that went to the opposition were the highest number it had taken.
Foreign Minister George Yeo was among the losers.
"You have made history tonight," Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang told supporters. "This is a political landmark in modern Singapore.
"Your votes tell us that Singapore is not just an economic success, Singapore is our home. Your votes tell us that you want Singapore to develop as a nation. Your votes tell the government you want a more responsive, inclusive, transparent and accountable government."
Although it was a sweeping win in terms of seats, the PAP's share of the popular vote slipped to around 60 percent, its worst showing since independence.
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