Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) looked to have increased its share of the vote in an election victory today, brushing off an opposition challenge in the city state's most hotly contested polls.

The PAP, which has ruled since independence in 1965, was always expected to win the election but opposition parties, contesting in all seats for the first time, had hoped to win enough votes to challenge its domination of politics.

"We were hoping we would at least retain the results of 2011, but this is really beyond my expectation," said elated PAP candidate Lam Pin Min, as the Election Department released sample counts of votes from constituencies across the island.

"I think the electorate has recognised the effort that the government has put in to make the lives of Singaporeans better."

The results showed the PAP was likely to increase its share of the vote from 60.1 percent in the last election in 2011. That was its worst-ever showing although it still won 79 of a total 87 seats in the parliament.

Full results for an expanded parliament of 89 seats elected today are due in the early hours of tomorrow, but the vote samples showed no surprising gains by the opposition.

The PAP had been hoping that a sense of patriotism inspired by this year's 50th anniversary of independence and respect for the country's independence leader, former premier Lee Kuan Yew ( photo ), who died in March, would work in its favour.

Lee was the father of current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The elder Lee drew praise for his market-friendly policies, but also criticism at home and abroad for his strict controls over the press, public protest and political opponents.

‘Done our best’

Years of strong growth have turned the island nation into an international financial hub with spotless streets and malls, well-tended parks and living standards unmatched in Southeast Asia.

But that success and an influx of foreign workers have brought high property prices, crowded public transport, and a widening wealth gap which have fuelled resentment among many in a city that surveys rank as one of the world's most expensive.

A total of eight opposition parties had hoped to take advantage of the grumbling and big crowds had turned out for opposition rallies during the campaign, in which candidates focused on the bread-and-butter issues of jobs, healthcare, and housing.

Earlier, Prime Minister Lee said he was confident after he cast his vote with his wife, Ho Ching.

"We always watch carefully, we've done our best," he told reporters.

The main opposition Workers' Party held seven seats in the outgoing parliament.

After the PAP's poor showing in 2011, the government launched a multi-billion-dollar healthcare insurance programme for the elderly, introduced cooling measures for the property market and curbed the flow of foreign workers.

The election comes as economic risks are in focus due to uncertainties stemming from China's economic slowdown and wobbly markets.

DBS Bank, Singapore's biggest lender, this week cut its economic growth forecast for Singapore to 1.8 percent, below the official forecast of 2-2.5 percent.

- Reuters