Thanks to LIFE Magazine’s John Dominis, we are able to get an interesting look back to a defining moment in Singapore’s history – the momentous 1959 elections that saw the People’s Action Party propelled into power.
The elections, held on 30 May, was to elect the first Legislative Assembly of a fully self-governing Singapore. The PAP claimed 43 of the Assembly’s 51 seats. While their victory was not unexpected – with the PAP the only party contesting all 51 seats – the manner and margin of its victory had alarm bells ringing with many, especially in Britain, concerned about the PAP’s leftist leanings.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew speaking at an election rally outside Clifford Pier.
The crowd at the same rally.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew addressing the crowd.
The PAP team at the rally – including Mr. Lee and Mr. S. Rajaratnam.
On the campaign trail.
Election day crowd at Orchard Circus.
A voter arriving at the Tuan Mong School voting centre by trishaw.
A view of Tuan Mong School at Tank Road.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew arriving at Tank Road.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee arriving at Tuan Mong School.
Joining the queue.
Waiting in queue.
A section of queuing voters at Tuan Mong School.
A view down Tank Road.
Tuan Mong School – with a view towards the steeple of the Church of the Sacred Heart.
The queue of voters at Ai Tong School in Telok Ayer Street (Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Building). A queue can also be seen across the street at Chong Hock School (at Chong Wen Ge) next to the Thain Hock Keng Temple.
Outside the Chong Hock School (Chong Wen Ge) at Telok Ayer Street.
The scene at the PAP’s Tanjong Pagar Branch Office.
An enterprising vendor through the crowd.
The crowd at Anson Road opposite the counting centre at Gan Eng Seng School.
Another view of the crowd at Anson Road.
A bus carrying ballot boxes arriving at Anson Road.
An election officer carrying a ballot box.
The agonising wait.
Victory?
A garlanded Mr. Lee being carried by supporters.
Supporters gathering around the victorious Mr. Lee.
Jubilant PAP supporters.
Photographs: © Time Inc. for which Personal and Non-Commercial Use is permitted.
The Long and Winding Road 