Flags, fans and the Future of Singapore

From garlands that never got delivered to live streamers angling for content, Nomination Day was a heady mix of fanfare and flashpoints

- Cherie Lok, Carmen Sin, Elizabeth Law and Shawn Hoo

The wait begins over an hour before the first candidates are expected to arrive, along a sleepy road in the heart of Tampines. Reporters are on one side, packed like sardines under a sheltered walkway, curious residents on the other.

In the tide of black lapping against the gates of Poi Ching School - media personnel decked out in one of the few "neutral" shades - bobs a single flash of light blue.

Mr Loh, a mask-wearing, baseball cap-donning WP supporter who asked to be identified by his surname alone, does not live in the area, but made the early morning trek from his home in Bishan-Toa Payoh to catch a glimpse of the party he has been supporting since he was 13.

Now 60, his belief has not wavered. "I want to see a balanced Parliament that reflects ideas from across the board. It's good for Singapore. What would we be without checks and controls?" Having secured his spot on the edge of a kerb, he begins his long and solitary wait outside the candidates' gate. Other supporters trickle in slowly via another entrance, mostly dressed in the crisp white attire that is the PAP's trademark.

With minimal fanfare, the first candidates descend on the nomination centre. First comes the People's Power Party (PPP) shortly after 10am, followed by the PAP and the National Solidarity Party (NSP). Last to arrive is the WP, its buses pulling into the school to loud cheers from the hitherto-silent surrounding crowd of residents.

In the middle of the media scrum, Mr Loh catches a glimpse of WP party chief Pritam Singh.

He snaps his photo and turns to leave, satisfied. "I was correct. He's here. Game over." Inside the school, the light rain drives supporters to a narrow walkway, now cloven into two distinct sections: one white, the other blue. A few brave souls spill into the parade square, but they are reminded not to open their party umbrellas just yet.