Still Awaiting New Initiatives: Democratisation in Singapore

Abstract

Assesses the balance between political developments in Singapore that promise greater openness & government responsiveness, as opposed to those that lead to an increased concentration of power. In spite of regular general elections, the People's Action Party (PAP) has dominated Singapore politics since 1959. The PAP has consistently initiated legal & administrative measures that have effectively suppressed opposition, including measures that restrict social freedoms by placing limitations on the press, religious activism, & the functions of politically oriented civil society organizations. The PAP has also maintained its stranglehold on the electoral process by responding to the demands of various sectors. It has softened censorship of the arts to appease the middle class, & increased social welfarism to reduce complaints by low-income groups. Other strategies employed by the PAP are described, including the manipulation of electoral rules. Opposition is further stifled by the fact that the PAP has generated economic growth & greatly improved the material life of the population. Future prospects for a genuine democracy in Singapore are discussed. J. Lindroth.