Speculation about the likelihood of an early parliamentary poll has intensified in recent months, most notably following an announcement in January by the Elections Department urging voters to verify their details on the city state's electoral roll. A review of electoral boundaries is already under way, following an announcement in October 2010 that the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee had been convened. This body, which reviews and draws up electoral boundaries, has in the past published its recommendations regarding changes to constituencies around two months before an election. Although the PAP will be mindful of the fact that its share of the popular vote dropped at the 2006 election, to 67%, from 75% in 2001, there is little doubt that its wealth of experience and talent gives it a significant advantage over the opposition parties. Moreover, the government will continue to impose strict limits on freedom of speech and assembly, thereby preventing the opposition from campaigning openly and effectively. The result of the next election is therefore not in any real doubt, and the PAP is set to win another substantial parliamentary majority. However, if the PAP's percentage of the vote falls below 67%, it may signal that latent voter discontent is coming to the fore. Should the ruling party win less than 60% of the popular vote, this might pave the way for the emergence of a more vigorous democratic opposition. It is likely that one of the PAP's main concerns regarding the forthcoming election is the possibility that it might lose one of the GRCs to an opposition party for the first time.

The president, S R Nathan, recently indicated that he will not seek re-election when his term ends in 2011. His victory in 2005 was controversial, as he won by default after three potential rivals were disqualified. Any potential candidate for the presidency must first be vetted by an election committee.