May 7 date set as Singapore calls early elections
Source: Agencies |
April 20, 2011, Wednesday
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SINGAPORE'S next general election will be on May 7, about eight months ahead of schedule, as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong seeks to cash in on stellar economic growth in the wealthy city-state.
His People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore since independence in 1965, is virtually certain to be returned to power for another five years.
The PAP won 82 of the 84 contested seats at the last elections in 2006 but some analysts say its win may not be as overwhelming this time as Singaporeans fret about inflation and the increasing gap between rich and poor despite booming growth.
"The post-1965 generation of Singaporeans are now as old as 46 and they form a large portion of eligible voters above 21 years of age," said former newspaper editor and banker Mano Sabnani.
"They will support good candidates who stand in the coming general election, be they from the PAP or opposition parties."
Singapore's gross domestic product grew 14.5 percent last year and it is fast becoming a major global center for private banking. Last year, Singapore's two casinos started operations with huge success, and the city runs the world's only night-time Formula One Grand Prix.
Lee's decision to call an election comes less than a week after the government announced the economy grew 8.5 percent in the first three months of the year from a year ago, beating the most optimistic forecast of economists. The government did not have to call general elections until February next year.
Despite the growth, poorer Singaporeans complain that little of the wealth has percolated to the disadvantaged. And the growing number of foreigners in the city-state has also become a focus of irritation.
Singapore is also coming under increasing scrutiny over restrictions on freedom of speech and opposition activity. But the PAP should hold its own, other analysts say.
"It is hard to say if the increasing complaints about the high cost of living and rising number of foreigners will actually translate into votes against the ruling PAP," said Manu Bhaskaran, CEO of Centennial Asia Advisors.
Nominations for the elections would be received on April 27.
Lee's father, modern Singapore's founder Lee Kuan Yew, is likely to contest again, although he is 87. He is "minister mentor" in the cabinet.
His People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore since independence in 1965, is virtually certain to be returned to power for another five years.
The PAP won 82 of the 84 contested seats at the last elections in 2006 but some analysts say its win may not be as overwhelming this time as Singaporeans fret about inflation and the increasing gap between rich and poor despite booming growth.
"The post-1965 generation of Singaporeans are now as old as 46 and they form a large portion of eligible voters above 21 years of age," said former newspaper editor and banker Mano Sabnani.
"They will support good candidates who stand in the coming general election, be they from the PAP or opposition parties."
Singapore's gross domestic product grew 14.5 percent last year and it is fast becoming a major global center for private banking. Last year, Singapore's two casinos started operations with huge success, and the city runs the world's only night-time Formula One Grand Prix.
Lee's decision to call an election comes less than a week after the government announced the economy grew 8.5 percent in the first three months of the year from a year ago, beating the most optimistic forecast of economists. The government did not have to call general elections until February next year.
Despite the growth, poorer Singaporeans complain that little of the wealth has percolated to the disadvantaged. And the growing number of foreigners in the city-state has also become a focus of irritation.
Singapore is also coming under increasing scrutiny over restrictions on freedom of speech and opposition activity. But the PAP should hold its own, other analysts say.
"It is hard to say if the increasing complaints about the high cost of living and rising number of foreigners will actually translate into votes against the ruling PAP," said Manu Bhaskaran, CEO of Centennial Asia Advisors.
Nominations for the elections would be received on April 27.
Lee's father, modern Singapore's founder Lee Kuan Yew, is likely to contest again, although he is 87. He is "minister mentor" in the cabinet.
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