Singapore dissolves parliament, prepares for general election
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam dissolved the country’s parliament on August 25 on the advice of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, paving the way for a general election slated for September.
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam dissolved the country’s parliament on August 25 on the advice of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, paving the way for a general election slated for this September.
The move took place amid PM Lee seeking a new mandate from voters who are worried about immigration and the high cost of living in a slowing economy.
The People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore for more than 50 years, is expected to keep its overwhelming majority in the 89-seat parliament because of a fragmented opposition.
Under Singapore’s Constitution, a general election must be held within three months since the parliament dissolution by the President.
The number of eligible voters this time is expected to be the largest ever – around 2.46 million, increasing by 4.7 percent from the 2011 election. Meanwhile, the 89 seats up for election will also be the biggest number so far, a rise from the current 87.-VNA
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Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the upcoming general election will be “critical” as it will “round out a team” which can take the island state into the future.
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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Photo: AFP)
