About Singapore - The Government
Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government based on the
Westminster model.
The Constitution provides for the three organs of state, namely, the Executive (Cabinet),
the Legislature and the Judiciary. The President, as the Head of State, appoints the
Prime Minister and the other Cabinet members from among the elected Members of
Parliament. The Prime Minister leads the Cabinet in the administration of the Government.
The Cabinet is responsible for all Government policies and the day-to-day administration
of the affairs of the state. It is responsible collectively to Parliament.
The Head of State, President SR Nathan was elected on 18 August 1999 and re-elected
to a second term on 1st September 2005. The cabinet is led by Prime Minister, Mr Lee
Hsien Loong who took over as Singapore’s third Prime Minister in 12 August 2004.
Parliament is elected by general elections held every five years, and are contested by
several political parties. A number of uniquely Singaporean political channels, such as
Non-Constituency Members of Parliament, Nominated Members of Parliament, and the
Feedback Unit, ensure that alternative views get raised and debated. The President is
elected for a fixed term of six years.
The first sitting of Parliament was held on 8 Dec 1965 and the first general election for
Parliament was held on 13 Apr 1968. There are 23 registered political parties. Parliament,
elected on May 6th, 2006 has 82 People’s Action Party Members of Parliament (MPs), 2
Opposition MPs and 1 Non-Constituency Member of Parliament. In addition, there are 9
Nominated MPs. Next elections are to be held by 2011.
Surveys often identify Singapore as one of Asia’s most politically stable countries.
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