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Singaporean President Tony Tan has dismissed parliament and called early general elections. Singapore’s parliament was dissolved yesterday in an expected move, according to state TV. The elections are set to be Singapore’s first without the prime minister’s influential father, and independence leader Lee Kuan Yew, who died in March of this year.

Singaporeans will go to the polls on September 11 to elect 89 members of parliament in 29 constituencies, according to state news agency Channel News Asia (CNA).

“I call this General Election to seek your mandate to take Singapore beyond SG50 into its next half century,” stated Prime Minister shortly after announcing the election date.

The People’s Action Party (PAP) has ruled Singapore for more than 50 years, with a mix of strict political controls and rapid economic progress.

According to many, it is expected to keep its overwhelming majority in the 89-seat parliament because of a fragmented opposition.

“This election will be critical. You will be deciding who’s governing Singapore for the next five years, but much more than that… you will be setting the direction for Singapore for the next fifty years, you will be determining the future for Singapore,” Prime Minister Lee told the public in a televised speech on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence with a massive parade which highlighted its rapid economic development and stability. — PressTV