Singapore calls new elections

The president of Singapore, SR Nathan, has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a general election, which could be held as early as next month.

The ruling People's Action Party, or PAP, which has been in power since Singapore gained independence in 1965, had been widely expected to call an election before the deadline of August next year.

The government has recently unveiled a $6.2bn stimulus package to help the economy which has been hit by a slump in the demand for electronics and the poor performance of key trading partners.

The opposition National Solidarity Party, the NSP, said the PAP was rushing the elections to prevent the opposition from being adequately prepared.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service