The Singapore general election 1997: campaigning strategy, results, and analysis

The parliamentary election in Singapore in January 1997 is examined, as is the particular electoral system ('the party block vote') which is found to be a central element in the electoral strategy of the ruling party, PAP. Th e functioning of this rare electoral system is, however, only one element i n explaining how PAP has been able to win comfortable majorities in the Hou se. The analysis contributes to the understanding of how a semi-democratic regime can stay in power. The political and electoral process in relation t o the 1997 election is also analysed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.