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The Singapore Political Scene Has Irrevocably Changed

Since nomination day and polling day was announced, I’ve been following closely twits and facebook posts on #sgelections. The PAP has been trying to engage people on the web, but seem to be faring very badly. I dare say that this is the first time someone like SM Goh is encountering “Fast & Furious” frank and honest responses from ordinary citizens which he’s likely never faced before in face to face meetings.

I wonder about the impact and repercussions social media will play on this election. That it will have an impact is an understatement. Will it tip the balance and perhaps galvanize support for the opposition to the point of enabling the opposition to capture more than one GRC? Issues are given more time to be examined and questioned, and no longer controlled by state media.

This, in tandem with the coming out of credible candidates in the opposition ranks is generating an incredible tide of people suddenly finding that they suddenly have a voice, that its now safe to speak up and be heard. Whatever the results come 7th May, this 2011 elections is truly the tipping point for Singapore politics. I believe this will see the turning of the tide against the PAP as the single dormant political party, and the emergence of multi-party politics in Singapore.

paulcbc

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3 responses to “The Singapore Political Scene Has Irrevocably Changed”

  1. xinguozhi Avatar
    xinguozhi

    yes, the impact may not be immediate, but the process has been set in motion. and a lot of Singaporeans, including those in power, still do not realize it and are not prepared for it.

    Reply
  2. This is Anfield Avatar
    This is Anfield

    Indeed it has! Back in 2006, Facebook was a concept and the iPhone was still in Apple’s design lab. Fast forward in 2011, Facebook and the iPhone is now a tool for rallying support with the ability to instantly update and get information. Witness how successful Nicole Seah is in garnering volunteers for her cause. All through Facebook. And, how quick photos of her walkabout were posted in every major forum, and copied by the mainstream press.

    On the other side of the coin, see how inept Tin Pei Ling was in managing her Facebook page. The damage is already done, I’m afraid.

    However, this being Singapore, with our unique culture, I believe the ruling party will come out tops again, but only by a nose. It may even win all the seats, but the margin may narrow to encourage the opposition for another push in the next one.

    Reply
  3. syafiq06 Avatar
    syafiq06

    This is fat hope, I would bet. The GE2011 will not change much. Perhaps, PAP total votes may dip a bit. PAP will still return as majority in parliament seats. Why? It is simple the cyberspace has a lot of noises but in real ground most Singaporeans are actually daft. Do you think most HDB flat owners would want their home drop in value? Do you think the small portion of youths who are looking for their home and find it not affordable will have drastic influence on the election outcome. Come on. Be real. I can bet this GE2011 outcome is again predictable in contrast to many netizens would like to see the change. After PAP returning in power, you would see more amendments to the Constitution and more restrictive policies and rules to further damp the noises from the cyberspace. Singapore has really no hope for change as I know.

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