Will Hougang remain in the hands of the Workers' Party or is it a "chiku" fruit ready to be harvested by the People's Action Party?

It all comes down to a tussle between PAP newcomer Eric Low and incumbent Low Thia Khiang, the Workers' Party chief.

Hougang, the battle ground between PAP and WP in the last two general elections, has 23,320 voters.

PAP candidate Eric Low's approach to winning votes is best summed up by his chiku metaphor.

"Chiku in Chinese is 'ren xin guo', which means 'humane heart fruit'. So all this while, my thrust is really using that on humanity and my heart of concern -- fully committed to look after the residents," Mr Low said.

The 53-year-old business development director spent the last 26 months getting to know Hougang residents.

To win them over, he is offering a spread of programmes to improve the environment and amenities, and to help those affected by the economic downturn.

The PAP candidate knows he is up against a strong rival.

WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, 45, who turned down Channel NewsAsia's request for an interview, has held the Hougang seat for the last 10 years.

In 1997, he was re-elected with an increased majority of about 58 percent of the votes cast.

Some political observers say the party's recent public spat and defections by members could have a negative impact on Mr Low's performance at the polls.

Against this backdrop, the contest between PAP's Eric Low and WP's Low Thia Khiang will be a closely-watched one.