SINGAPORE - The next general election, to be held on Sept 11, will be about more than just the next five years, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as he asked for Singaporeans' support.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 25) afternoon, put up moments after the Writ of Election was issued, Mr Lee said he had called an election to seek a "mandate to take Singapore beyond SG50, into its next half century".

"You will be deciding who will govern Singapore for the next five years. More than that, you will be choosing the team to work with you for the next 15-20 years, and setting the direction for Singapore for the next 50 years," he wrote.

The date of the long-anticipated general election was finally revealed with the Writ of Election issued by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at 4pm on Tuesday, an hour after he dissolved Parliament.

PM Lee added: "What we have achieved together in Singapore is special. Here many races live in peace, and many from humble homes make good. We will surely meet challenges ahead, but whatever the world throws at us, as one people, we will overcome."

Then, reiterating a call he made at the National Day Rally, Mr Lee said: "If you are proud of what we have achieved together, and support what we want to do for our future, please support me and my team. We have to do it with you, in order to do it for you, and for Singapore.

"Together, we can keep Singapore special for many years to come."