Two potentially different battles during the next elections

Photo courtesy of azmanhus

Traditionally, our elections have always been the battle for the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. Neutrals will view it as a contest between different parties, the People’s Action Party (PAP), Workers’ Party, Singapore Democratic Party, Singapore Democratic Alliance, Reform Party and the National Solidarity Party. To the others who have a rather polarized view of Singapore’s politics, the battle is simply between PAP and non-PAP.

Thus, the days devoted to electoral hustings will revolve around the primary battle between different parties (if you happen to be a neutral) or PAP versus non-PAP for the hearts and minds of our voters if you have a polemic view. This battle has been waged for the past elections and is a definite for the next elections.

The other more interesting battle will probably be waged on the last day before Polling Day, assuming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s proposal comes through. It will be a battle between the alternative media and mainstream media. Alternative media in the context of this article can be broadly defined as group-based media sites and blogs dedicated to expression of opinions and news on current events in Singapore. The mainstream media as alleged by the opposition will be the vehicle for the ruling PAP to mount a defense of its policies or a subtle attack on the policies and manifestos of the opposition parties, under the ‘disguise’ as news.

In this battle, we will also witness the testing of OB markers. Recall that during the 2006 General Elections, a certain OB marker manifested when the government made it a requirement for blogs and other sites commenting, analyzing and reporting on the elections to register with the former. It turned out that no one registered.

When quizzed on his stand on blogs and media sites reporting and commenting on the elections, Lee has gone on record and said: “I cannot control several million videos on youtube but your website, what you’re putting up in your own name, I think that should end the day before the cooling-off day.”

Mr Seelan Palay, a prominent activist and blogger has made his stand that he will not observe the cooling off period and will continue to post news and opinions regarding the elections on his blog. One would suspect there will be others who will follow suit. And for blogs whose owners remain unknown, they are likely to disregard the cooling off period.

The mainstream media has to observe the cooling off rules, which means it cannot be direct in selling any form of political message, if there is ever an intention to do so. The alternative media on the other hand tends to be more direct in its messages, and in this aspect, the latter has an advantage over the former.

Round one of the battle will be between the political parties. If Lee is successful with his proposal, round two of the battle will be between the mainstream media and alternative media.