As had been universally predicted before voting commenced in Singapore’s general election, the People’s Action Party (PAP) were returned to power with an overwhelming majority.  The PAP won approximately 60% of the vote and has been awarded with 81 of a possible 87 parliamentary seats. 

Its share of the vote, however, while still handsome, slipped from the approximately 67% share they enjoyed in 2006.  This is evidence of a continuing trend which has seen support for the PAP erode, albeit slowly.

Nevertheless, while the PAP has won comfortably, it has not been a bloodless victory.  Six seats went to the opposition, with the Workers’ Party scoring an eye-catching victory by ejecting the Foreign Minister, George Yeo, from his seat in the Aljunied GRC.  While the Workers’ Party had concentrated its efforts on this GRC, the result still came as a shock to the PAP.

The outcome of this election, however, changes little, as the PAP has the numbers to push through its policies.  No major policy shifts can therefore be expected.  What does seem apparent is that the political scene in Singapore is changing as the electorate begins to question PAP policies and exhibits a burgeoning desire to attempt to balance the party with opposition voices in parliament.

Though the PAP still has a tight hold on the reins of power, this election sets the scene for greater parliamentary debate in Singapore and, if the Workers’ Party can administer Aljunied GRC competently, perhaps a greater willingness among the Singaporean electorate to support opposition parties in the future.