Singapore: The World's Only Successful Dictatorship?

In July 2020, Singapore’s 13th General Election highlighted the predictable dominance of the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has held power for almost six decades. Despite free elections, the outcome is rarely in doubt, with the PAP consistently winning between 60-70% of the vote. This peculiar situation leads to Singapore being characterized as both a 'technocratic dream state' and a 'thinly veiled dictatorship', baffling outsiders and raising questions about its democratic nature.

Unlike many post-colonial nations that rejected Western investment, Singapore, lacking natural resources, embraced it. The PAP, after being democratically elected in 1959, aggressively suppressed any 'instability' like socialist rivals, labor unions, or student activists. This authoritarian approach, aimed at pleasing multinational corporations, inadvertently led to the creation of world-class public education, healthcare, and public housing systems by fostering integration and productivity. The government's long, uninterrupted rule allowed for efficient implementation of policies focused on rapid economic growth, leading Singapore to become one of the wealthiest nations.

Singapore's elections are free but not fair. The PAP uses various tactics to disadvantage the opposition, including short campaign periods (no more than 11 days since 1968), gerrymandering electoral boundaries at will, and using libel lawsuits against opposition politicians and media outlets. They also grant token positions to opposition parties and have used the Sedition Act to arrest dissidents. These methods ensure the ruling party controls the electoral landscape and silences dissent, portraying Singapore as an efficient resort rather than an authoritarian regime.

Singaporeans' apparent acceptance of this system is questioned, as protests are illegal without government approval and colonial-era laws are used to silence critics. Censorship extends to media, with the government able to control newspapers and revoke licenses. The 'Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation' bill allows ministers to force opponents to correct or remove online statements, effectively silencing opposition. This extensive control makes the PAP's 60% vote share less indicative of genuine consent, suggesting extreme measures are taken to disadvantage opponents.

A theory suggests Singaporean voters make an informed trade-off, prioritizing economic development over democracy. Surveys show high satisfaction with the 'way democracy works' despite the PAP's tactics. The relationship appears transactional, where citizens expect improved services, and the PAP seeks legitimacy from decisive electoral victories. The Prime Minister's view of opposition voters as 'free-riders' and the government's practice of prioritizing public housing maintenance for PAP voters highlight this transactional dynamic, suggesting votes are also used as a form of polite protest rather than a desire for leadership change.

With its declining share of votes, the PAP faces a dilemma: continue weakening the opposition by blurring the lines between party and country, or democratize. The Lee family dynasty's long rule and the perpetuation of a 'survivalist' mentality emphasize the former. However, democratizing could also strengthen the PAP by allowing voters to assess opposition parties fairly. While this path seems counterintuitive, it could lead to more durable support by fostering respect. The choice between maintaining authoritarian control and embracing democratic reforms will shape Singapore's future.

While Singapore's unique system has enabled effective policies leading to enviable public services, it comes at an invisible cost: a lack of accountability. By taking the 'authoritarian shortcut,' Singapore gambled, and it paid off economically. However, this system makes the country vulnerable to a less benevolent party or politician winning power, with no easy way to vote them out. History suggests the PAP may further devolve into nationalism and crush opposition, but given Singapore's non-ordinary nature, there's hope it won't follow this path.