Only 6, not 7 not 12....

Photo from Straits Times, via Portal Asia One

One of the most telling signs that was indicative of any change in voting patterns of the average Singaporean was the swelling crowds of the rallies leading up to the Singapore elections.

In my discussions with several Singaporeans, including a public official, a lawyer, a financial analyst, a Managing Director as well as a waitress, I was sure the common point that they all spoke about was how Singaporeans this time around are resorting to online reports and openly condemning the government hence they all concluded that voters would give theirs to the opposition.

Having spent two days in Singapore for the these meetings, and eavesdropping in the restaurant on what the next table was talking about (rudely, but necessary) it became clear to me that Singaporean were openly discussing dissent for the first time. Not the kind that takes to the streets and burning rubbish bins that the Reformasi movement introduced to Malaysians, but clever intellectual discussions on achievements and the non delivery of policies in Singapore.

In the end, despite the 'tsunami' feeling that a lawyer friend was certain about, and predicting 30% of seats going to opposition, the eventual results pointed to only 6 for the Workers party with the rest emerging as only moral winners. Most losing opposition candidates increased their vote count, but as the smoke clears, the PAP with their economic focussed results point to Singaporeans preferring stability over dissent. (Detailed results can be obtained from here)

In the quest to ensure prolonged succession and introduction of fair inter racial representation, the GRC seats would mean that instead of a single seat, a group of five seats will represent a team of Parliamentarians. With this ethnic representation can be 'helped along' in what was thought to be a 'vote one' get four free, a recipe that was thought up by someone hopeful that more ethnic representation could be gained.

In the end, with the GRC seating method, Aljunied GRC, a hotseat led by Foreign Minister George Yeo, a personality well liked by most, and his PAP team of five which included Lim Hwee Hua, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Cynthia Phua and Ong Ye Kung lost to the Workers party. In this clear message, the voters of Aljunied gave the victors 55 percent of votes in what is surely a first in Singapore election history. In what is seen as a loser's entry to Parliament, 9 seats are 'awarded' to the losing candidates who garnered the most percentage of votes.

To summarise the results would be for me as an observer that a matured community like that in Singapore would prefer to voice their concerns, and make it known to the ruling party of their worries and yet place importance in continuing stability to ensure long term prosperity of their nation, a point well known and proven.

As pointed out by a source, one opposing party even admitted to having 'no idea or plan' on what they can deliver in 5 years should they get elected, but asked for sympathy votes so that a message could be delivered to PAP.

Singapore Maju, hence has 5 more years to ensure that both the nation and the region will remain string in positive growth.