1) Full control of media. Our local media is almost run like PAP's TV channel. Many people still believe whatever is written in Straits Times, especially those without access to the internet.
2) PAP can engage freely in personal smear tactics against opposition candidates. While mud slinging is part of the political process and happens in democratic processes like US and Australia, the key difference in Singapore is the inability of the opposition to sling back.
Any attempts at "smearing" PAP members will be swiftly dealt with by the police and judiciary.
See case of Tang Liang Hong/JB, accused of being anti-Christian etc
See case of Chee Soon Juan and what happened to him when he tried to take on Goh Chok Tong
3) New citizens. We don't know their exact numbers but they may very well keep PAP in power. A colleague of mine is a Malaysian turned Singaporean and her support for PAP is probably more steadfast than some young PAP members.
So far, the PAP has shown little interest in engaging the real issues at hand.
There is no indication that any of the policies that have caused much voter discontent is even being reviewed.
Instead, they adopt the tactic of distraction by launching personal attacks on key opposition candidates, the latest being Dr Vincent Wijeysingha.
How well the opposition tackles this could decide the outcome of the election.
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