Legislative Council Elections

The Legislative Council, formed after the end of World War II, opened a few seats to a limited number of elected legislators with the British remaining in control. Much like the present Hong Kong SAR's system, it exposed Singapore to national elections for the first time, of only few with voting privileges. PP was the dominant political party at that time. A candidate's election deposit will be forfeited if he or she garners less than one-eighth or 12.5% of the votes cast in the ward contested.

Legislative Assembly Elections

The Rendel Constitution was introduced in 1955 to allow Singapore a more self-independent governance. Opening up were voting rights for more registered Singaporeans and more seats for elections with reduced British representatives. Between 1955 to 1959, legislators led by the LF government continued the push for more independence. In 1959, Singapore was granted full self-governance by the British authorities with all seats open for elections and compulsory voting, but LF was voted out of power and a PAP government took over.

Parliamentary Elections

On 9 August 1965, as a result of mounting disagreements between the Singapore State Government and the Federal Government of Malaysia, Singapore was separated from Malaysia and became an independent Republic. The Legislative Assembly was renamed Parliament. Ever since, PAP has won every general elections, each time returned with large majority. The term for Parliament is five years, at the end in which it will be dissolved and fresh elections must be called.

Municipal Commission Elections

The Municipal Commission was a partially-elected body administering crucial utilities like water, gas and prevention of wastage of resources for Singapore's downtown area.

City Council Elections

In 1951, the Municipal Commission was renamed the City Council and became a fully-elected body headed by a mayor. In 1959 when PAP won power, it was abolished and its functions replaced by utility statutory boards. In 1991, some of the roles were transferred to town councils run by elected MPs.

National Referendum Elections

There has only been one National Referendum in Singapore's history, which was to decide on Singapore's status after merger with Malaysia.

Federal & State Elections (Malaysia)

This was the only Malaysian elections held while Singapore was part of the Federation of Malaysia. Malaysia's Parliament (Parlimen) is made up of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate). Dewan Rakyat seats are directly elected whereas Dewan Negara seats are filled by two representatives from every one Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly) that forms the state government.

Presidential Elections

In 1992, the Singapore Constitution was amended to provide for a President elected by the people, whose role was to safeguard national reserves, veto arrests made under the Internal Security Act and appointment of government officials. An elected President's term is six years, and criteria candidates have to meet are extremely stringent.