Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Photo: AFP) 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
