SINGAPORE - The People's Action Party's (PAP) Sitoh Yih Pin, 51, has successfully retained his Potong Pasir seat with 66.4 per cent of votes.

Mrs Lina Chiam, 66, of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) garnered 33.6 per cent.

Mr Sitoh's margin of victory this round is far wider than in 2011, when he beat Mrs Chiam by just 114 votes - or 50.4 per cent.

That was the closest fight in the 2011 General Election, and political watchers had predicted a tight battle in the duo's rematch.

With just 17,407 voters, Potong Pasir is the smallest electoral ward in this election. Its boundaries have not changed since the last election.

Mr Sitoh thanked voters and said: "I'm very humbled by the mandate you've given me. I assure you that we will fulfil all the promises we made - and even more."

In a concession speech, Mrs Chiam thanked her supporters and voters. She said: "I have just shook the hands of Mr Sitoh to congratulate his victory. His supporters and campaign deserve congratulations.

"This is a time of great challenge for Singapore. I hope that Singaporeans can work hand in hand with their elected MP to help the government create better policies."

She added: "The people have voted. I respect their decision. SPP will never give up Potong Pasir. Potong Pasir is too close to our hearts."

Mrs Chiam is the wife of SPP chief Chiam See Tong, who held Potong Pasir SMC for an unpredecented six terms from 1984 to 2011. He left the ward at the last election to contest in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. The boundaries of Potong Pasir has been untouched since 1984.

During the hustings, Mrs Chiam's campaign has centred on wanting to restore the "kampung spirit" that Potong Pasir had lost under Mr Sitoh, while reminding voters that she had been one of the most outspoken MPs in Parliament.

She also objected the presence of posters featuring Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the estate, which she said went against the essence of the election.

Mr Sitoh, who was standing in the single-seat ward for the fourth time, promised even more improvements for residents in his Sept 9 rally speech. Among them: an expanded community club gym and a free bus shuttle service.

He also rebutted suggestions by his rival that Potong Pasir had lost its character: "Kampung spirit doesn't mean you have to stay in a kampung... with no amenities. To me, kampung spirit means caring and being happy for one another."