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Where is the Opposition? Media coverage, political interest, public
concerns and voting behavior. A study on the impact of the media in
the 2001 Singapore General elections
A.
Introduction
In its 37-year post-independence history, the Republic of Singapore has progressively
emerged as one of the most powerful economic tigers in the world. The General
Election was conducted in the Republic of Singapore in November 2001. It was at a
critical juncture in world history. Terrorists had reduced the twin towers of the World
Trade Center in New York to rubble sending deep shockwaves through world
economies struggling to climb out of a deep recession. The subsequent attack on
Afghanistan by the United States and its European allies further heightened the
political tension and economic uncertainty all over the world.
The global economic and political compulsions, among others, are said to have
prompted the PAP Government, led by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, to go in for
early elections. The decision took the political opposition in Singapore by complete
surprise. Opposition parties had to take a firm grip of the situation, plan their
campaign strategies and organize their campaign in the shortest period – to just nine
days of active campaigning!
Citizens in democracies in Asia and other parts of the world tend to look for change
and topple governments when confronted with alarming economic downturns and an
uncertain future, Singaporeans chose to retain their trust in the ruling party that had
led the country on a path of economic growth with distinction for 37 uninterrupted
years. What is more – elected it with an even higher majority! That makes
Singapore’s political system truly unique.
B. Objectives of the Study
Despite limited opposition, it is interesting to monitor how political parties evolve
strategies, use the media, and seek continued support from the people to be in power
Convention