The former British colony located in Southeast Asia, after gaining independence, managed within one generation to turn from the so-called third world country into a financial center of international importance. Self-made success distinguishes Singapore from another famous offshore zone, Hong Kong, which has always been under the auspices of powerful powers. It is possible that rapid economic development and an extremely low level of corruption are a direct result of the specific political structure of this small city-state. It is worth noting that the bulk of its population are ethnic Chinese.
Ruled by the English crown
Singapore was founded in the early 19th century by Stamford Ruffles, a colonial official in the British Empire. Control of the tropical island passed to the British in accordance with the agreement they concluded with the local sultan. The city has become one of the most important trading ports of the Malay Archipelago.
During World War II, Singapore was occupied by imperial Japan. The units of the British army located on the island were unable to repel the attack and surrendered. The occupation administration subjected the people of Singapore to severe repression. After the defeat of Japan, the island was returned to Britain, but the power of the English crown weakened due to the inability to defend the controlled territory demonstrated during World War II.
Sovereign state
In 1965, the colony gained independence. The country was led by Yusuf bin Ishaq as President of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister. In those days, many doubted that the young state could exist independently. However, the rapid economic development of the island exceeded the wildest expectations. The first president of Singapore was mainly a ceremonial figure. The decisive role in the formation of the state was played by Prime Minister Li (Chinese names traditionally face the name), who held his post until 1990. After his resignation, he received the status of a special adviser to the government and continued to influence the political life of the country. Currently, the duties of the Prime Minister are performed by his son, Li Xian Long.
President of Singapore
The country is considered a parliamentary republic. The adherence of this state to democratic principles is often called into question due to the lack of real political competition and the irremovable rule of one party. Until 1991, the President of Singapore was elected by Parliament and had very limited powers. Subsequently, the constitution was amended, significantly expanding its power. The President of Singapore obtained the right to appoint judges and veto government decisions related to the use of national reserves. The head of state began to be elected by popular vote directly. But despite these reforms, the presidency of Singapore is still ceremonial.
Elections
An interesting feature is that, in accordance with the law, a candidate for the post of head of state should not be a member of any political party. The first direct presidential election in Singapore took place in 1993. The head of the republic performs his duties for six years and can run for the second term. Three times in the history of the country, the elections were uncontested. This means that the only candidate in the absence of any competition will automatically become the winner. In 2017, a woman took the post of head of state for the first time. President of Singapore Halima Jacob is a representative of the Malay national minority.
Parliament
The system of legislative power in the republic is rooted in the colonial period, but is somewhat different from the British model. In accordance with the constitution, a maximum of 99 seats are provided for in the unicameral parliament of Singapore. Citizens elect 89 members of the country's main legislative body, and the rest are appointed by the government. Throughout the history of independent Singapore, an absolute majority in parliament has a party called People's Action. Opposition political movements receive an insignificant number of deputy mandates. For example, in the 2015 election, the ruling party got 83 out of 86 seats in parliament. Based on these facts, some reputable newspapers and magazines claim that the political system of Singapore is the so-called "spoiled democracy."
Prime Minister
The head of government is the most influential person in the state hierarchy in both legal and practical terms. The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers always takes the position of leader of a party with an absolute majority of votes in parliament. In accordance with the constitution, executive power belongs to the president of the country, but in practice all his actions are necessarily coordinated with the government. This order has historically developed since the time of the first Prime Minister Lee. His son Lee Sun Long maintains a tough and authoritarian domestic policy. Despite accusations of violating democratic principles, the Singapore government is recognized as one of the most effective in the world. The republic ranks first in the ranking of Asian countries free of corruption.