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Singapore voters head to polls for general election Singapore voters head to polls for general election
(about 3 hours later)
Singaporeans are heading to the polls to vote in an election that is widely expected to see the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) return to power. Singaporeans are heading to the polls to vote in an election that is widely expected to see the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) stay in power.
But for the first time ever, opposition candidates are running in all constituencies, and could gain seats.But for the first time ever, opposition candidates are running in all constituencies, and could gain seats.
It is also the first election since the death of long-term leader Lee Kuan Yew, founder of the ruling People's Action Party and the prime minister's father.It is also the first election since the death of long-term leader Lee Kuan Yew, founder of the ruling People's Action Party and the prime minister's father.
The PAP has won every election since Singapore's independence in 1965.The PAP has won every election since Singapore's independence in 1965.
The PAP's success has been attributed to its widespread popularity among Singaporeans - who have seen their country rapidly evolve into a first-world economy - as well as its tight political control.The PAP's success has been attributed to its widespread popularity among Singaporeans - who have seen their country rapidly evolve into a first-world economy - as well as its tight political control.
But government stumbles in managing immigration and infrastructure, coupled with a greater desire by younger Singaporeans for political plurality, has led to increasing gains by opposition parties over the years.But government stumbles in managing immigration and infrastructure, coupled with a greater desire by younger Singaporeans for political plurality, has led to increasing gains by opposition parties over the years.
The PAP's biggest competition is the Workers Party, which in the last parliament had seven MPs out of 87 seats, but a number of smaller parties are also running. The next parliament will have 89 seats.The PAP's biggest competition is the Workers Party, which in the last parliament had seven MPs out of 87 seats, but a number of smaller parties are also running. The next parliament will have 89 seats.
In previous elections, the PAP has retained some of its seats without a vote - known as a walkover - as no opposition candidate ran against them. But this year every seat is being contested.In previous elections, the PAP has retained some of its seats without a vote - known as a walkover - as no opposition candidate ran against them. But this year every seat is being contested.
Read more: Singapore's elections explained in memesRead more: Singapore's elections explained in memes
Analysis: Tessa Wong, BBC News, Singapore At the scene: Tessa Wong, BBC News, Singapore
Outsiders may be baffled by the level of excitement among Singaporeans over their elections, given their predictability. But to many here, an election is not just a rare chance to revel in the cut and thrust of political sparring in this carefully controlled country, but also to simply vote. Polling stations in the historic Tanjong Pagar district - long associated with its former MP Lee Kuan Yew - teemed with voters throughout the day.
Many were excited to cast their first vote in 24 years. One resident, administrative executive S H Lee, told the BBC: "I thought I would never get to vote in my lifetime!"
To many Singaporeans, an election is not just a rare chance to revel in the cut and thrust of political sparring in this carefully controlled country, but also to simply vote.
Few opposition parties contested in the past and walkovers used to be common, due to complex electoral rules and a palpable climate of fear. But times are changing.Few opposition parties contested in the past and walkovers used to be common, due to complex electoral rules and a palpable climate of fear. But times are changing.
The last general election in 2011 was seen as a watershed, with the lowest-ever showing by the PAP and the opposition making unprecedented gains on the back of unhappiness over an influx of foreigners, a housing shortage, and transport breakdowns. The watershed 2011 general election saw the lowest-ever showing by the PAP and the opposition making unprecedented gains on the back of unhappiness over an influx of foreigners, a housing shortage, and transport breakdowns.
The PAP sought to remedy these problems. Four years on, it is asking voters for its reward - not just a return to power, but a bigger mandate. PM Lee Hsien Loong has also invoked the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew - his father - and the PAP's role in Singapore's rapid development, which was marked in last month's jubilee celebrations. Immigration remains a key issue on voters' minds. "I'm graduating soon, and I'm concerned about finding a job with more foreigners here," said 26-year-old student Jerome Victor.
Meanwhile the Workers' Party (WP), the biggest opposition party, has called on Singaporeans to vote in more of its candidates to keep the PAP on its toes. The PAP sought to remedy these problems, and four years on, it is asking for its reward in the form of a bigger mandate. Meanwhile, the Workers' Party, the biggest opposition party, has called on Singaporeans to vote in more of its candidates to keep the PAP on its toes.
The voting comes at the end of a colourful but brief nine-day election campaign period.The voting comes at the end of a colourful but brief nine-day election campaign period.
At least two million Singaporeans are expected to cast their vote at polling stations which will close at 20:00 local time on Friday (12:00 GMT).At least two million Singaporeans are expected to cast their vote at polling stations which will close at 20:00 local time on Friday (12:00 GMT).
The elections department, for the first time, will be announcing sample counts soon after voting closes. Opinion and exit polls are not allowed in Singapore's elections.The elections department, for the first time, will be announcing sample counts soon after voting closes. Opinion and exit polls are not allowed in Singapore's elections.