Singaporeans vote in general election

Singapore voted yesterday in its most hotly contested general election with the outcome expected to test the long-ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) dominance of politics even though it is bound to win.

Opposition parties are hoping to take advantage of the grumbling and contested all 89 seats in parliament for the first time since independence in 1965.

Voting, compulsory for an electorate of almost 2.5 million people, ended at 8 pm. The opposition focused its campaign on the bread-and-butter issues of jobs, healthcare and housing. Preliminary results are expected from around 10 pm.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who cast his vote with his wife, Ho Ching, said he was confident. "We always watch carefully, we've done our best," Lee told reporters.

"I want to see more opposition members in parliament from more parties," said one voter, a lawyer in his 40s who gave his family as Tan.

"I hope there are enough opposition members to fill the front benches because we can then have shadow ministers to effectively suggest alternative policies."

Years of strong growth have turned the island nation into an international financial hub with spotless streets and malls, well-tended parks and living standards unmatched in Southeast Asia.

But that success and an influx of foreign workers have brought high property prices, crowded public transport, and a widening wealth gap which have fuelled resentment among many in a city that surveys rank as one of the world's most expensive.