Who Is Challenging Whom?

Click on this image to see the larger chart and then click aagin.

Unfortunate Sign Juxtaposition

It never ceases to amaze me how people installing event signage rarely consider the placement of their banners.

The above are two classic examples, taken from photos taken by passing Singaporean motorists. I am sure that the ruling PAP party would not be impressed with the contractors responsible for this contextual cock up.

Meanwhile an enterprising citizen has decided to employ Google Maps to record election rallies (see below) although I can't see any for the ruling PAP and must presume that the publisher is in the Opposition's camp?



在較大的地圖上查看Singapore GE 2011 Rally Venues

The Singapore Electorate Map

Click on the Map and then click again to see the larger version

2.35 million Singaporean voters but in the case of a no-contest in some electorates, not all will get to vote.

For example, a friend has told me that she is getting to vote for the first time in 10 years as her previous GRC has now become a SMC.

Related articles

• Singapore Opposition Contests Record Number of Seats (online.wsj.com)

Not Living In Disney World

Commenting on its selection processes and the need to keep rejuvenating the party MM Lee is quoted in the media as saying:

"'We combed the whole of Singapore society to select those with the highest integrity and ability to chart the way forward for Singapore. We will never reach a point where we can be on auto-pilot so that any team can just take over. We are not living in Disney World".

Pointing out the many notable achievements his party and the country has achieved over past decades the clear inference is that if Singaporeans choose to 'rock the foundation' they stand to put these gains at risk.

I am not so sure that such a scare tactic will work this time around?  In the past the calibre of opposition candidates has been 'patchy', to be charitable.  This time though a quick glance through the electorate party lists shows that the alternative parties have a good raft of well educated and worldly wise candidates.

Pronouncements from sitting government MP's that a strong opposition could result in blocked policies suggests that they may be more concerned about the Opposition strength than they care to admit.

There is no doubt that the PAP will win the election and by a substantial majority.  With a Westminster- styled government there is no danger of the government benches having their policies blocked.

Monitoring the social media 'buzz' (see research study below) shows a growing groundswell of support for the Opposition parties especially amongst the young, so there could well be more Opposition members voted in.

And, in relation to Disney World, it was of course Walt Disney who said: "If you can dream it, you can do it".

Related articles

• GE: Opposition fielding larger teams and better qualified candidates for GE 2011 - Channel News Asia (news.google.com)
• Youth vote crucial in next GE (sg.yfittopostblog.com)