Politics of Singapore

The republic of Singapore has a unicameral form of government based on the Westminster model.  The 93-member parliament is formed by representatives of various constituencies who are elected for five-year terms.  Apart from these elected representatives, there are 9 non-elected or Presidential appointees.  All executive power is nominally vested in the President but is actually wielded by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Thus, the presidency is largely a ceremonial post to be filled every six years through election by the Parliament. In 1991, however the President was granted some veto powers regarding the management of national reserves and the appointment of judges.   

Political Parties

Singapore has received criticism over the years because of the rigid nature of its democracy.  In fact, medical tourism travelers are advised not to go criticizing the government or the system on their visit!  The establishment doesn’t take too kindly to censure from foreigners.   

The country’s political scene has been dominated by one party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), since the establishment of self government, and this has led to accusations that Singapore is a one party state.  Many international political analysts regard the state as a mix of democratic and authoritarian elements and allege that Singapore is only partly free.  Although the election system of the country is uncorrupt, there have been allegations that the ruling PAP makes use of civil lawsuits to prevent the opposition from winning elections.   

Another characteristic of Singapore’s political system that Western medical tourism vacationers will feel uncomfortable with is the controversial issue of censorship.  All news media are controlled by the government which keeps a strict eye on monitoring what citizens can watch on television. The country’s pristine, almost sterile surroundings come at a cost – even something as innocuous as dropping a cigarette or eating on the MRT will attract an immediate fine.  

These criticisms notwithstanding, Singapore has evolved from a tiny nondescript island with few natural resources to one of the most robust world economies.