Singapore: The Myth of the Miracle

Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) won, no surprise, the general election held on November 3rd . With tight control over media, restrictions on freedom of association and other basic freedoms, and the creative redrawing of electoral districts to favor its candidates, the PAP had little to worry about because Singapore is effectively a one-party state. Nonetheless, in the run up to the election the PAP government launched a US$2.7 billion “give-back” of public funds to entice an electorate that has seen Singapore’s economic “miracle” lose much of its luster of late.