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Incentives Given
Incentives such as building affordable homes, upgrading housing estates and strengthening the social safety nets are used to entice the people into casting votes for the PAP. For example, Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC has just announced a billion dollar package that will see improvements to this giant constituency over the next 5 years.
Let us take a look at some of PAP's initiatives as outlined in their manifesto.
Shifting of Constituencies
PAP has been constantly shifting the constituencies to supposedly give minority groups a voice in Parliament, but the opposition has been accusing them for doing this to benefit themselves.
Below are some quotes from opposition parties on the changes in the constituencies:
“There doesn’t seem to be any logical explanation as to the way the boundaries have been drawn. They seem to have been carved up in a haphazard way to benefit the PAP. There needs to be more transparency as to the workings of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. It must present its findings as to why the GRCs and SMCs have been cut up the way it has.” - Chee Soon Juan, SDP
“Drastic changes especially in respect of the SMCs, does not seem to indicate that the ruling party is willing to stomach similar challenges to certain SMCs for this coming GE…It is unfair to the opposition and to the country and only serves to disadvantage the opposition and further the hold of the PAP.” - Chia Ti Lik, SF
“I think such redrawing of boundaries are totally lacking in logic. It did not take into consideration the impact of social fabric on the ground. For e.g. The total disintegration of Jalan Besar GRC is totally unreasonable. It is obviously an exercise done to minimize risk for the ruling party PAP of losing seats, thus, extending its hegemony of power.” - Goh Meng Seng, NSP
Smear Tactics
PAP are also accused of utilising smear tactics on their opponents. For example, During the 2011 elections campaigning, Vivian Balakrishnan said the SDP was "suppressing a certain YouTube video, which raises some very awkward questions about the agenda and motivations of the SDP and its candidates".
The following video outlines the saga.
Establishing a Stable Government
The PAP has been governing Singapore for 40 years since independence. In no country, other than Malaysia, has a non-communist political party been in power for a longer period. And the longer it stays in power, the tougher the going will become, however efficient it may be. Many people have also attributed the success of Singapore to the PAP, and hence many trust in the PAP.
