In Singapore’s Election, Attention Shifts from Winner to Margin of Triumph

Like the last time Singapore held elections, it is currently in the midst of a global crisis.
Five years ago, the governing party presented itself as the stable guidance to lead the nation through the coronavirus pandemic. The same pitch is being repeated this time, as President Trump disrupts the world’s trade order.
And, just like before, there is no doubt that the People’s Action Party, which has been in control since 1959, will retain power. However, the upcoming election on Saturday will be a measure of the popularity of the P.A.P., which saw its second-weakest performance in 2020, while still obtaining a clear majority. This indicates increasing evidence of a desire for a more competitive democracy in the city-state.
Many political analysts now agree that the opposition is gaining strength in Singapore. Numerous voters are dissatisfied with the P.A.P.’s reaction to the escalating cost of living. During the campaign, rallies for the country’s main opposition party, the Workers’ Party, have been packed, and their merchandise has sold out. Nonetheless, Pritam Singh, the party’s leader, took pains to assure the public that his party was not vying for enough seats to form a government but added that Singapore needs a more balanced political system.
“When you have opposition in Parliament, your alternative voice is heard by the government,” Mr. Singh said at his party’s first rally last week.