Democracy in Singapore

Situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is literally a city-state consists of six small islands with limited surface. A little more than 4 1/2 million people occupy and 3 1/2 times the size of Washington, DC area.

After receiving its independence from the British Empire, which had been re-established in World War II, Singapore, essentially an island nation, joined other Island Nations to become Malaysia. This affiliation was short-lived and Singapore broke and established independent in the mid-1960s.

A parliamentary democracy was established with a Westminster system a unicameral Government with a camera. The Executive power is vested in the Council of Ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister. Chairman is mainly ceremonial, but has veto limited on the use of national reservations and appointments to the judiciary powers. The Presidency is a chosen position, but it has had only appeared once from Singapore became a nation. Parliament is the legislative branch of Government.

Members of Parliament are elected, no constituency or appointed to their jobs. Most elected for terms of five years in a general election. Members represent unique members of groups or communities determine group. There are 94 MPs; 84 elected members, an admin panel not constituency and nine nominated members.

Nominated members, which does not represent any political party, are appointed by the President for periods of 2 1/2 years. The slate of designations is made by a Special Committee of Parliament, led by the President.

Is essentially a system of single party controlled the popular action party (PAP), although there are other political parties; the party worker of Singapore, the Democratic Party of the Democratic Alliance of Singapore and Singapore. Most analysts considered Singapore to be a procedural, democracy rather than a true democracy. The nation has also been described as a "hybrid regime consists of democratic and authoritarian parts."

Despite the fact that elections have not been characterized by electoral fraud and illegalities, has been accused the electoral system has been tampered with by the PAP. Also stated that the courts are aligned with the PAP. In essense, Singapore Republic is authoritarian with only a superficial resemblance to a true democracy.

The legal system is descended from the English common law, influenced by the laws of British India. PAP, the ruling party rejects many democratic values established by law, accusing them of being 'West' and is not entirely suitable for Singapore. There is no jury trials. There is no restriction on the freedom of expression in this multicultural and multiracial society. In 2005, three bloggers were convicted of sedition for registering racist comments on the internet.

Criminal sanctions ranges between heavy fines, and cane, the death penalty for first-degree murder and drug trafficking. Singapore has the highest rate of execution per capita in the world.

In spite of hardness, the system seems to work for this city-state. Report of tourists which is clean, modern, cosmopolitan city and relatively free of crime. There are good shopping, restaurants, places to see and a new casino to draw even more money how the tourist trade.

For more information about Singapore, visit [http://www.singaporemicroblog.com/]