From the raw numbers it seems little was changed by the election in Singapore.  The opposition won no new seats, holding onto the only two they have in a legislature of 84 elected seats.  The PAP will continue to dominate the government – and use the government to dominate society.  Same old, same old…

    But not quite.  As the incisive analyses at Singabloodypore and Mr. Wang suggest, there were gains for the opposition, albeit small gains.  The PAP’s percentage of the vote declined and percentages for the opposition rose across the board, especially in the two constituencies they won.  These gains are significant in a political system that is biased so heavily and unfairly against any opposition activity whatsoever. 

 And, again right on cue, the PAP demonstrates its authoritarian ruthlessness by orchestrating the arrest of a leading opposition candidate on trumped up charges of "criminal intimidation."  Of course, if anyone is guilty of "criminal intimidation" it is the PAP leadership. This is all they know: intimidation.

     The arrest of James Gomez does not signal the "end game" of the election.  It is another phase of a political game that never ends.  The PAP will now advance and take advantage of its tactical gains.  They will use the power of the state to defend their personal political interests, as they have always done. But the opposition has gained some ground, and that matters. 

     "Ground" is an important concept for Sun Tzu.  He tells us that, in war – which is, of course, a more extreme form of politics – we must always be aware of what kind of ground we are on.  I have always understood this to mean awareness of the broad strategic context.  The ground has shifted some in Singapore in recent weeks.  The opposition has discovered new sources of strength.  They have a new, young cadre of leaders and increased support throughout the city.  The internet has proven to be an alternate means of getting their message out – so much so that the PAP is now investigating.  Perhaps dissident can develop those strengths and exploit PAP weaknesses to achieve the next tactical goal:

    FREE JAMES GOMEZ!