Singapore General Election 2020

Pandemic aside, Singapore has been swarmed with a major event for the past one week plus; the general election that would determine the composition of the government for the next five years! 

As we just came out from circuit breaker (literally a lock-down in the eyes of many) and are still fighting COVID-19, general election 2020 (henceforth known as GE2020) is unlike the past. There are no physical rallies to prevent crowding and for the first time ever, opposition parties had the opportunity to share their ideals on the television, including a much talked-about debate. 

Of course, there are complaints over unfairness (e.g. ruling People's Action Party given a longer time as they are contesting all constituencies) but i am not going to talk about that since many have commented. Maybe because it's my first general election after moving to my own flat and i am also working from home; i did find the broadcasting on vehicles to be a tad irritating! And am i the only one who feels that the PAP broadcasts were exceptionally loud?! 

My side is Nee Soon GRC and contested by People's Action Party (PAP) and Progress Singapore Party (PSP). While i am familiar with at least three members from PAP, i can only recognise Brad Bowyer from PSP as i remember he posted a few articles that friends had shared on facebook. 

Nonetheless, the team has a strong backing; Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Once a member of parliament from PAP, his popularity was said to be unmatched; commanding an insanely high 88% score in 2001 general election. His return from retirement drew admiration from some as he could have just enjoyed his retirement in peace; instead, he chose to return to the political arena to fight for Singapore and Singaporeans. 

The fight with the incumbents is never easy and Singaporeans prefer non populist policies to guide them for the next five years. And in terms of publicity, PAP is well equipped with mailers sent directly to my home and thick booklets heaping praises on what Yishun had achieved since the last election. 

It's finally polling day today and i am honestly quite tired of reading political-laced postings and watching e-rallies on facebook. There were so much sarcasm, so much angst in the comments and while i can see and analyse the pros and cons; it's not an easy feat to decide which party to vote. 

Anyway, my designated polling centre was at Block 745 with the unique tenting as above. Expected though as voting is secret and we are not even allowed to take photographs or videos. What i can share is that they took my temperature, checked my polling card with my identification card, passed me the ballot paper and i proceeded to a counter to mark my decision and finally, folded and put the paper into the polling box.

Last thing; hand sanitizer would be sprayed onto my hands for hygiene purpose. It wouldn't have been memorable but i happened to injure my thumb earlier that day and it was sizzling with pain! A bad omen maybe; whatever the case, may the best party win.