SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan predicted that the Punggol East by-election would be a race between the People’s Action Party (PAP) and Worker’s Party (WP), and that the division of votes would be about 45% and 35% respectively. He also said that the key to success would be to win over the support of the 15 to 20% of undecided voters. The decision of these undecided voters would be based on their level of dissatistisfaction with national or social issues, as well as the level of charm of the candidate. The results would thus be a message to the ruling party. Assistant Prof Tan added that it might not be effective to have political heavyweights participating in the campaign and rallies. As such, the People’s Action Party (PAP) would need to carefully consider who they want to send to help lobby for votes.
Lianhe Wanbao