Singapore

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PLANNING & MANAGEMENT
ANALYSIS
Political Analysis
Singapore is a parliamentary republic meaning the government is formed by means of election and hence it is similar to the way India functions. Singapore also follows the multi-party format. The head of the ruling government is the Prime Minister of Singapore whereas the head of the country is the President of Singapore. The Executive powers are in the hands of the government whereas the Legislative powers are given to both i.e. the parliament as well as the government of Singapore.
The status of the President of Singapore is similar to that of India with the head of the state being a ceremonial figure. The powers given to the president include minimal key decisions like the use of nation’s reserves or appointment of civil service administrators. The president in all doesn’t have much of a role and say in the running of the country unlike U.S where the powers are vested with the President.
Singapore’s politics has been dominated by the People’s Action Party since the general elections in 1959 with Lee Kuan Yew becoming the first Prime Minister. The other main parties on the Singapore’s political scene are the Workers Party and the Singapore Democratic Party. With the dominance of the People’s Action Party, Singaporean democracy is often referred to as a procedural democracy wherein the people or the citizens have less influence than the traditional democracies. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, “Singapore is a hybrid country with elements of authoritarian and democratic units”. It is seen as a one party state with the courts also showing favoritism towards the government.
The constitution of Singapore is the main or the supreme law in Singapore. In order to amend or make changes in the constitution, it requires the support of more than two-thirds of the members of the parliament. Due to its legal structure and strict law, the law enforcement agencies are also equally... [continues]

Read full essay