The Singapore Democratic Alliance submitted its application to set up a party to the Registry of Societies in March.

The alliance groups the Singapore People's Party, Singapore Justice Party, Singapore National Front, National Solidarity Party and Pertubohan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura (Singapore Malay National Organisation).

The alliance marks the first time Singapore's fragmented opposition will try to campaign under a common banner.

The PAP dominates parliament, holding 81 of 83 seats.

Opposition politicians have long complained the system is stacked against them and frequent legal action by PAP officials chills dissent.

The PAP must call for elections by August 2002 but is widely expected to send Singaporeans to the polls later this year.

"The Registry of Societies has approved on (June 14), subject to acceptance of the (amended party) constitution," the party source told Reuters.

"There are a few things they have amended for us. It is very minor, a question of spelling mistakes, and subject to our making payment of S$400 (US$220)."

The alliance will finalise its registration once it has paid the fee, which it expects to do before July 7.

Officials at the Registry were not available for comment.

Member of Parliament and secretary general of the Singapore People's Party Chiam See Tong will serve as the interim chairman until the new alliance's office bearers are voted in.

The five parties spent about eight months debating their constitution and the framework of the alliance before submitting their application.

The alliance may offer opposition parties a chance at fighting for wards which group three to six candidates rather than the single seats they most hotly contested in the past.