In pictures: The Singapore General Election 2011

It's been a little over a week since nominations for the Singapore General Election 2011 were announced.

These past 10 days have seen Singapore transform itself into a nation that cares, and cares loudly.

Three photographers -- Darren Soh, Tay Kay Chin and Edwin Koo -- have covered the campagining period extensively and share their best photographs and interpretation of the Singapore General Elections 2011.

Darren Soh: A bird's eye view

Singapore People's Party at Bishan Stadium -- May 2, 2011; circa 9:30 p.m.

The project: "This was my chance to record history and be part of it, albeit in a different way from many other photographers. With modern technology in digital photography and the Internet, there can be no election in this day and age that is not covered from every possible angle.

"I have chosen to approach this once-in-five-years event from a slightly different perspective, treating campaign rally sites as landscapes, I hope to show how the stadiums, open fields and other public spaces become sites of contest and tension between the various political parties."

My photos represent: "At a very basic level, I feel that my images dispel the myth that Singaporeans are politically apathetic. The fact is that thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands of people show up at political rallies, sometimes in the rain, just to hear what candidates have to offer. It's heartening to say the least."

This General Election is different because ... : "Of the proliferation of social media, and the speed at which images can get on the Internet into the 'wild.' I don't think we've ever had anything this close to instant information and image dissemination."

Darren Soh's work can be viewed at www.fullframephotos.com

Tay Kay Chin: Politics explained through driving signs

Warning that politicians talk in circles.

The project: "As I'm not covering the elections for any media I wanted to find a different way to interpret it as I've covered it all before.

"Before the political parties started using the driving metaphors, I was already shooting signs such as 'Give Way', 'No U-Turn', I wanted to seek out signage that was funny and quirky and add my own editorial twist to it.

"Besides, pictures don't get people into trouble, words do."

My photos represent: "They're quite in line with my cynical self, but i think this is the period where there is a lot of confusion, mixed messages, interpretations, truncated messages.

"I myself feel a little confused and these signs summarise my feelings."

This General Election is different because ... "I'm awakened. I feel like a young boy who discovered there are many positions.

"I've also learnt that I am out of touch and that scares me. The question I keep asking myself is how do I make a difference? And if the issues at hand don't affect me, how does my vote help fellow Singaporeans?"

Tay Kay Chin's images will form part of a book on the Singapore's General Elections 2011. More information can be found at Platform.

Edwin Koo: Up close and personal

In the spotlight: National Solidarity Party's 24-year-old candidate Nicole Seah speaks at a rally in Geylang East.

The project: "I wanted to have a set of decent images to share with my grandchildren, so that I can tell them granddaddy was there at that historical moment, recording history itself.

"On another level, I wanted to show the truth, amidst of the clutter in mainstream media. As a Singaporean and a photographer, I thought I should use my craft and my pictures to help Singaporeans decide who to vote for."

My photos represent: "They illustrate my personal feelings on certain things, such as the real side of politics.

"I have had the privilege of being in close vicinity of many of these news makers and on many occasions been given an 'insider's take' on the situation.

"For example, I learnt that supporters at rallies and walkabouts can actually be 'planted' for strategic reasons."

This General Election is different because ... "Social media has made old media obsolete. You actually get the whole truth better, since information and news is now free and very readily available everywhere.

"I shared my pictures on Facebook, and although not many people have seen them, at least those who did came back and said hi, and even shared the album with other friends."

Edwin Koo's photographs can be viewed at his Facebook page.

When not on the search for the perfect beach, Singapore native Charlene Fang has spent her days working as the editor for CNNGo Singapore and Time Out Singapore, and written for the likes of ELLE, Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure and The Australian. 

Read more about Charlene Fang