PERCEPTION AND ELECTION STRATEGIES IN SINGAPORE : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF POLITICAL COMPETITION

Abstract

This research study highlights the salience of perception in affecting election strategies. It attempts to provide an analysis and interpretation of the perception of the political parties. It then seeks to identify the relationship between their perception and the election strategies that the parties employ. Fundamentally, the study adopts the symbolic interactionist approach that emphasizes the importance of perception or meaning and how that meaning influences the actions of the political parties. The study also examines the perception of the public and how that perception affects their voting behaviour.