I have been following the news on the elections. While I am unable to recite the names of all the new candidates, and tick off all the candidates contesting in the different constituencies, I believe I have gotten the gist of the message. The opposition this time has sent a strong signal to both the ground and the ruling party that they mean business, and they want a stronger voice within the government. These are exciting times for Singapore politics, and I'm overwhelmed by the progress.

All my life, I have been taught a certain way, through a certain system, and inculcated with certain values. It is safe to note that the main message brought forth has always been to not rock the boat, and to not try to fix what is not broken. We see so many new, well-qualified candidates emerging from the Opposition's ranks this election, and it has made me wonder. Some of them are my age, some are much older, but we have all gone through the exact same system. In this land where pragmatism has been the buzz-word since day one, and where caution is advised in every step we take, it is inspiring to see so many individuals like myself step forward and plunge themselves into the deep sea of politics using a small dinghy called the Opposition. Given the calibre of quite a few, they could have chosen the large cruiser, but they did not. The path less taken has finally been been acknowledged, albeit by only a few, as a valid route by itself.

While tracking the Nomination Day status on Twitter (the wonders of new media!), I was really worked up. Someone asked me why I was so excited about the elections. How can I not be, when this represents such an important milestone in our lives, in our history? Finally, our ruling party is being tested on the ground by other credible individuals who also want to serve. I can sense the quiet determination in the strategies put forth by these parties - the incumbent MPs who gave up their seats to contest in a GRC where a respected MP holds fort. The determination to have a bigger voice in Parliament shines through, especially since they might eventually end with zero seats.

How can I not care? I am given a choice, the first in my 25 years, to help decide who I want to sit in that room debating and proposing policies. I am not anti-establishment, but I cherish the chance I have to exercise my vote. Any party which has able candidates should be given a fair chance to speak their share. The ability to tell whether a person is sincere is not something that can be taught through formal education, despite what some publicised studies have been trying to tell us.

It definitely is important to remember the progress and the work that it took to bring us to where we are today. However, we should keep in mind that gratitude is not the best way to bring forth a credible and accountable government. Moreover, the exceptional individuals who brought us this progress have mostly left. We should therefore look at their successors, and whether they are the best people for the job. We all go through interviews for our jobs, and this is no different. Politicians must have the courage and strength to stand up to the public's scrutiny, while the public must be given a choice.

We get a voice. That is what this year's election is about, whatever the outcome.