The Electoral Authoritarian's Subtle Toolkit: Evidence from Singapore

Table of Contents: Introduction Parliamentary Elections in Singapore Key Arguments - Changing Ethnic Electoral Geography Through Ethnic Housing Quotas - Effects of Manipulating District Magnitudes - Specific Electoral Boundary Manipulation - Electoral Secrecy - Malapportionment Conclusion: Electoral Rules and Gerrymandering to Preserve Dominant Parties Looking to the futur

Party building and candidate selection : intraparty politics and promoting gender equality in Myanmar

This study examines why women remain underrepresented in Myanmar politics. It looks at structural and cultural aspects, revealing the dynamics of intraparty politics, especially the role and processes of candidate selection that affect both demand and supply of women candidates at local and national party levels. The findings are based on qualitative analysis of 72 in-depth interviews with members of nine political parties. Results suggest familial succession and family networks are common channels for recruitment. Additionally, those with backgrounds in social or religious groups, or as teachers are more likely to seek office.Knowledge for Democracy Myanma

Minimal Factionalism in Singapore’s People’s Action Party

Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP) is one of the longest ruling parties in the world. The PAP’s ability to avoid overt factionalism over the years is exceptional, especially compared to the region’s personalistic or cadre parties. In recent years, the defection of former PAP cadre Dr. Tan Cheng Bock and the formation of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and PM Lee Hsien Loong’s family rivalry, which involved PAP elites, have challenged the cohesion of the PAP. This study examines a set of incentives and constraints institutionalised at the party and national levels to foster elite cohesion. It is argued that the critical junctures in the PAP’s early years led to the adoption of a cadre party model and a centralised candidate selection process that co-opts like-minded elites into a core that promotes elite unity. Nationally, party switching and factional alignments based on ethnicity or ideology have been systematically banned. Given the lack of credible alternatives that seriously challenge the incumbent PAP, ambitious party cadres would do better toeing the party line and staying loyal.</jats:p