I think elections are near.
Vincent and I discussed about this over kopi sometime around the World Cup season, and we kinda concluded it might be December-January, at its earliest.
Any earlier might be difficult, due to a busy gahmen schedule, like the hosting of international events like YOG and F1. I would also think that the gahmen would announce the electoral boundaries early this time round, because with all the 'good' news that had been announced in recent months, there is no need for them to call for snap elections to catch the Opposition by surprise.
--------------------------------------
Earliest possible: Dec 2010/Jan 2011
Key Reasons:
These few months have seen a slew of 'good' news announced.
1. Upbeat economic outlook: Predicted 13~15% growth this year.
2. Visitors to Singapore hit record high--more than 1 million in July alone.
3. Announcement of actual station sites for Downtown Line Stage 3.
4. Success from the hosting of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games.
5. National Day Rally: Spoke about the pressing hot issue of foreigners -- to alleviate concerns.
6. National Day Rally: Announced solutions to housing and property issues.
7. National Day Rally: $9000 to $10 500 given to all NSMen.
8. National Day Rally: Promised (again) to widen transport network to target overcrowding.
Other reasons:
1. Flooding issues: Likely to be brought up, but by the end of the year, Time would have made some Singaporeans forget about the issue.
2. Mas Selamat issue: Long enough for Singaporeans to forget. It was just in 2008.
3. Distance-based fares: Kickstarted in July amidst negative feedback. But with a few months of getting-used to the fare hike, Singaporeans would have accepted it.
---------------------------
The next possible dates: After February 2011 Budget.
Key Reasons:
1. Confirmed official figures of how the Economy did in 2010 would have been released. It is even more advantageous if actual figures exceed the 13~15% prediction.
2. High growth rate might allow the Gahmen to release "Election Hongbao"--sweeteners.
3. February 2011: The first payout to the NSMen.
4. 30,000 more flats released.
----------------------------------
Disclaimer: The above article contains no official basis and is not verified by any official sources. Purely a personal guess.
人生是黑白的.
10:34 PM <3
>>>
