Abstract
Since 1959, when the People's Action Party (PAP) came to power, Singapore has been among the world's most successful countries any measure at improving its citizens' welfare.1 The result is that after thirty-seven years, Singaporeans expect ? almost by right ? clean, efficient and effective government and a continually growing economy and increasing prosperity. However, over time the people have become a litde less willing to make the political trade-offs and sacrifices (for example, partially constrained political freedoms) that have helped make the dominant party, the PAP, so adept at delivering the goods while not catering to popular demands. The paradox that hits a dominant party, if history is a guide, is that over time growing numbers of people simply want a change, regardless of the performance of a government. The PAP's dilemma has been to overcome this burden of history, and to reverse the slow decline since 1980 in its percentage of the popular vote in general elections.
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