The reasons for the biggest and final batch of by-elections in history were the demise of PAP Member of Parliament for Anson last year, P. Govindaswamy, as well as the resignations of six veteran PAP Ministers and MPs - including former minister Yong Nyuk Lin on 12 January 1979 - to facilitate the ruling party's continued initiative to renew its ranks. Although key opposition stalwarts emerged to contest, BS stayed out and its decision was criticised by UPF. UF aimed to contest the most seats, putting up three candidates but one was disqualified in Geylang West. Former Malaysia MP and Democratic Action Party leader C. V. Devan Nair, who returned to Singapore ten years ago to lead the National Trade Union Congress, was elected for the first time and served less than three years before becoming the country's next President.

Writ of election: 22 January 1979 [Mon]
Nomination day: 31 January 1979 [Wed]
Polling day: 10 February 1979 [Sat]
Members swearing-in: 5 March 1979 [Mon]

Eligible voters: 116,881
Voters in walkover constituencies: 36,806 (31.5%)
Total voters: 80,075 (68.5%)
Total voter turnout: 74,887 (93.5%)

Election deposit: $1,200

RESULTS
Anson	Geylang West	Mountbatten	Nee Soon
Potong Pasir	Sembawang	Telok Blangah
Total seats = 7