Since 1991, the residents of Nee Soon East have not had the chance to vote.

Until this year, they belonged to Sembawang GRC, which saw walkovers in the past two elections.

Now, that has all changed.

Nee Soon East, in the north of Singapore, is the island's largest single-member constituency with 28,465 voters.

The normally quiet ward is getting warmed up for a showdown.

For the first time in 10 years, it is seeing opposition flags, posters and banners.

The Workers' Party's new face Poh Lee Guan is up against PAP incumbent Ho Peng Kee, who has been part of the Sembawang GRC team since 1991.

Associate Professor Ho, 47, wears many hats - he is Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs, and chairman of the Sembawang Hong-Kah CDC as well as the Inter-Ministry Committee on Youth Crime.

Prof Ho's campaign flyer boasts some of these achievements:

• One completed interim upgrading programme
• One neighbourhood library
• A free clinic and free services for senior citizens
• CDC Enhanced Interim Financial Assistance Scheme
• CCC Welfare Fund

Although 40-year-old Dr Poh, the WP assistant secretary-general, has little grassroots exposure here, he is touting these:

• 18 years' consultancy experience
• Research on knowledge-based economy
• Party chief Low Thia Khiang's experience in managing Hougang

And as soon as nominations ended, the party went on a low-key walkabout in Nee Soon East.

"With my work experience and what I've been through, I believe I will be able to enhance the management of the estate, helping the people with their problems and effectively contribute to debate at the national level to enhance our economic competitiveness," Dr Poh said.

"What I lack in exposure I will make up -- hopefully, I am very sure -- in terms of my passion, commitment and my conviction," he said.

Prof Ho said of his opponent, "The first thing really is his inexperience. He may be a sincere person but in terms of serving the residents, you must have both the personal experience and also the backing. I think that's important."

"After all the party chief Low Thia Kiang has admitted that Workers' Party's resources cannot be compared to the PAP," he added.