Singapore to hold snap election

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Singapore’s parliament was dissolved on Tuesday, clearing the way for a snap election as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong seeks a new mandate from voters worried over immigration and the high cost of living in a slowing economy.

The People’s Action Party (PAP), which has ruled for more than 50 years with a mix of strict political controls and rapid economic progress, is widely expected to keep its overwhelming majority in the 89-seat parliament because of a fragmented opposition.

But the party will be under pressure to improve on its worst electoral performance in 2011, when it won 60 percent of votes – its lowest-ever share – despite retaining 80 seats in a block-voting system.

It will be the first election without the prime minister’s hugely influential father, independence leader Lee Kuan Yew who died in March.

By law, a general election must be held within three months of parliament’s dissolution by President Tony Tan. The date for nomination day, when candidates file their papers, is to be announced separately.

The prime minister, who had until January 2017 to hold an election, sought support in a televised address on Sunday.

“This election will be critical. You will be deciding who’s governing Singapore for the next five years, but much more than that... you will be setting the direction for Singapore for the next fifty years, you will be determining the future for Singapore,’’ he said.

Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence on August 9 with a massive parade which highlighted its rapid economic development and stability under PAP rule.

All eyes will be on whether the opposition can gain more than the seven seats it currently holds.