If Kervyn or Steve or whoever from NSP loses his/her deposit, this means NSP just lost in Tampines and Sembawang GRC? It's illogical. Does not make sense.
Then again, even the most fervent of opposition supporters do not really expect NSP to win in Tampines or Sembawang.
It would. Sinkies vote along party lines. They may hate the PAP for certain incompetent politicians or poor national policies, but they respect PAP's party discipline. Despite all the talk of internal fights, PAP has always managed to present a very disciplined front. So, sinkies will compare PAP's public front against that of NSP.
Party discipline and public image is the most important aspect of public perception about the party's reliability and long-term prospects. WP shaped up by improving party discipline and not taking in politicians who jump from party to party. They also put an end to public spats, which enabled the party to survive the YSL fiasco with their name still pretty intact. Same for PAP and Palmergate.
Public perception for NSP is really low, including amongst swing voters who are leaning towards opposition. It will have a serious effect on NSP's chances in Tampines and Sembawang. Grassroots expect NSP's share of the votes to go down, around 35% of the valid votes in both wards at best.
