Opposition in Singapore nominates 47 candidates for May 6 elections

Singapore, Apr 27 (UNI) Opposition political parties in Singapore, contesting in the May 6 General Election, today nominated 47 candidates to stop the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) from returning to power, breaking a nearly two decade old tradition.

Only 37 of the 84 member parliament seats returned unopposed, leaving the ruling party six seats short of a simple majority for form the next government.

This is the first time since 1988 that the fragmented opposition parties have managed to gather enough candidates to contest more than half of the seats.

Singapore will go to polls on May 6 to elect the next government, which has been returning to power with a significant majority since independence in 1965.

PAP, which is the only party contesting in all the seats, received walkover in Seven Group Representation Constituencies (GRC) of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Jurong GRC, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Marine Parade GRC, Tanjong Pagar GRC, West Coast GRC and Hong Kah GRC.

Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Wong Kan Seng were returned unopposed from the respective GRCs.

The GRC is a concept of grouping together MPs, comprising a compulsory candidate representing the minority section of the population.

The opposition is contesting in Aljunied GRC, Ang Mo Kio GRC, Jalan Besar GRC, Sembawang GRC, East Coast GRC, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Tampines GRC as well as all nine Single Member Constituencies of Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Joo Chiat, MacPherson, Nee Soon Central, Nee Soon East, Potong Pasir, Yio Chu Kang and Hougang.

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