THE FUTURE OF OPPOSITION PARTIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Opposition politics is an integral part of most political systems which seeks to ensure the accountability of governments. In Singapore, this is no exception. The opposition victory in the 1981 by-election signalled the beginning of new era of opposition politics after fifteen years of virtual PAP domination in Parliament. The opposition returned to the political scene with a vengence as the invincibility of the PAP was shattered in that fateful election. This was manifested in the subsequent general elections in 1984 and 1988. All these point towards one thing - that the opposition must still be recognised as a real force that must be dealt with seriously. This challenge is expected to become greater as the last of the Old Guards pass from the political arena. This exercise seeks to examine the issues and problems surrounding opposition parties while taking into account the peculiar characteristics of Singapore politics that have evolved over her twenty four years of independance.