Singapore chooses: Test for the power of the government party

Singapore chooses: Test for the power of the government party

Singapore is facing an election on Saturday that will most likely consolidate the uninterrupted rule of the People's Action Party (PAP). This is a test for the public approval of your new prime minister, while the city -state is preparing for economic turbulence as a result of a global trade war.

an indicator of the popularity of the pap

The choice is considered an important indicator of the popularity of the pap, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965. It is particularly interesting whether the opposition is able to challenge the strict control of the governing party and to penetrate after the small but unprecedented progress in the last elections.

votes and mandate strength

Although the PAP usually triumphs with around 90 % of the seats in the elections, their share of the votes is closely observed in order to measure the strength of their mandate. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is interested in improving the result of the PAP of 60.1 % in the 2020 elections - one of the worst achievements in the history of the party.

The new prime minister and his vision

Wong, 52, became the fourth Prime Minister of the Asian Financial Center last year and promises continuity, fresh blood and his own leadership for Singapore. He took up his office at the end of the two -year term of Lee Hsien Loong, the son of the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who is considered the founder of the modern SingaPour

important topics for voters

The polling stations open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. (8 a.m. et), whereby a result is expected in the early hours of Sunday. The cost of living and the availability of living space in one of the most expensive cities in the world are central topics for the 2.76 million voters and a continuing challenge for Wong. His government has warned of a recession if the trade-dependent economy in the trade conflict is damaged with high US tariffs.

an unequal competition

The PAP has long had a political advantage because it has a large member base, influence in state institutions and far greater resources than its undisturbed opponents. The choice will be unequal because 46 % of all papal candidates belong to every 97 seats, while the largest rival, the workers' party, only strives for 26 seats. In the last elections, the workers' party won ten seats, most of them from an opposition party.

potential for changes in politics Singapore

Although a defeat of the PAP is extremely unlikely, some analysts say that the choice could change the dynamics of the political landscape of Singapore in the coming years if the opposition gains ground. Younger voters are interested in alternative voices, greater control and a more lively debate.

expectations of the votes

"" It is expected that general voter support will gradually decrease from election to election, "said political scientist Lam Peng from the National University Singapore. "Would the Singaporians be surprised if the papal support of the papal support sinks to 57 % or 58 %? Nobody would be surprised. I don't think it would even surprise the pap."

The consequences of losses for the pap

The Pap would want to avoid surprises and warned the voters of the consequences of a loss of seats for important cabinet members who, according to Wong, are decisive in order to balance relationships between the United States and China and to navigate the strongly exposed economy Singapore through potentially stormy waters. "I have backup options ... Sure. But everyone knows that the team cannot work at the same level," said Wong on Thursday to the 1.4 million members of the union.