My Vote

I've cast my vote. It was a big cross right beside the WP logo.

Why do I vote for the WP? There are many factors that come into play. Firstly, what counted against the WP was the fact that the PAP team are capable people with lots of resources at their disposal. There is little doubt that they can do many things. Also, WP's manifesto has several questionable points, such as the abolishment of the Internal Security Act and the grassroot organisations. The fact that James Gomez would make a mistake in his application and that it took some time for WP to come out clean counted against them too.

Then, why do I support them? It's because I, being an idealist, subscribe to their ideas of a more level political playing field, greater freedom of speech and how public services are carried out (such as in public transport). I also felt a strong need for an opposition voice in the parliament. PAP's own indulgence in pork barrel politics without shame or guilt is also a very strong factor. I am not so particular with the gerrymandering, but it still counted quite a bit against the PAP because some of the boundaries are just too ridiculous. For example, my relatives who live in the private estates of Tai Keng Gardens were drawn from Aljunied to Marine Parade. For goodness sake, they're closer to (the town) Aljunied than Marine Parade!

Of all, the greatest factor that pushed me towards WP was PAP's relentless slamming of James Gomez. It was obvious what PAP was trying to do - to bombard him with accusations until he retaliated, then counter with defamation lawsuits. I was shocked that even today, when we are supposedly a First World country, an open nation, that this sort of dirty tricks still persisted. I was extremely relieved that WP played it right this time - not into their hands - and maintained their coolness. In the end, PAP had to cut off its smearing campaign because it became apparent that many people were disgusted by it. I was too, and hence the deciding factor was this.

Now that election campaigning has ended, I'd say that even if PAP has not pursued the James Gomez matter, I would've voted for the WP anyway. The arguments I listed for WP above was stronger, in my opinion, than those for PAP.

I've placed my vote. Now I hope they will win. And if any GRC is going to be liberated from the PAP, it's gotta be Aljunied.