SINGAPORE GOES TO POLLS

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

SINGAPORE, May 7 (Bernama) -- Singaporeans began casting their votes at 782
polling stations from 8am Saturday in what has been described as the most
exciting election in the city state's history.

Young Singaporeans constitute a crucial part of the 2.35 million electorates
in an election that sees the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) facing its
biggest challenge yet, with highest proportion of contested seats since
independence, which is 82 of 87 seats.

Apart from the PAP, led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, other political
parties contesting in the election are the Workers' Party (WP) led by Low Thia
Khiang, Reform Party (RF) led by Kenneth Jeyaretnam and Singapore Democratic
Alliance (SDA) led by Chiam See Tong, which is composed of the Singapore Malay
National Organisation (PKMS) and the Singapore People's Party (SPP).

Others include the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and the Singapore
Democratic Party (SDP).

In a rare move on Tuesday, Lee apologised to Singaporeans ahead of the
crucial election for mistakes which the government might have made.

Lee's father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, has already won the election
uncontested.