Singapore's ruling People's Action Party faces by-election test
Poll after ex-parliamentary Speaker quit over affair will take place amid growing discontent
Singapore's governing party faces a poll test this month to fill the seat of the ex-parliamentary Speaker who quit over an affair, officials said, at a time of growing criticism of its rule.
The January 26 by-election will give a new snapshot of the public mood two years after the People's Action Party (PAP), which has ruled the city-state for more than 50 years, suffered its worst general election result.
Public discontent has been rising over issues such as immigration - with foreigners blamed for overcrowding and putting pressure on public services - rising prices and a widening income gap.
The Elections Department announced the by-election for the seat in Punggol East ward, which had been held by former Speaker Michael Palmer, 44.
He resigned from parliament and the PAP last month "to avoid further embarrassment" after confessing to the extramarital affair.
The nomination day for candidates who intend to run is next Wednesday.
