Singaporeans cast their votes on Saturday in a high-stakes general election that presented Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with his first major test since assuming leadership, against a reinvigorated opposition and amid mounting economic uncertainties for the trade-reliant city-state.
The People's Action Party (PAP), led by Wong, which historically guided Singapore from its post-independence struggles to global economic prosperity while tightly controlling political dissent, appeared poised to retain a clear parliamentary majority.
Wong, who previously gained popularity through his leadership of Singapore's Covid-19 task force, succeeded former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year. Lee, the son of founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, governed the island nation since its contentious separation from Malaysia in 1965.
Wong repeatedly emphasised during the campaign that he required a robust mandate to steer Singapore through the current economic turbulence, triggered in part by tariffs imposed by then-US President Donald Trump.
He warned of serious repercussions for Singapore’s economy should the United States proceed with tariffs—originally announced, then deferred for most countries except China—and stressed the need for the island state to remain open and competitive.
“So I say to all Singaporeans, please consider carefully. This is not a gamble. This is your family, your future, our Singapore,” said Wong during a campaign address.
From Singapore-based think tank BowerGroupAsia, political analyst Nydia Ngiow observed that the PAP had traditionally been viewed as a stabilising force during crises. She added, “Given that general elections in Singapore tend to focus on local issues, it is unlikely that geopolitics will shape voters' decisions—unless Singaporeans feel a direct and tangible impact on their cost of living, job security or the broader economy.”
Muhammad Nazri bin Hadri, a 25-year-old Singaporean, cited difficulties in securing a home. “I hope there are some changes to (public housing) rules,” he told the foreign news agency after casting his ballot.
Analysts noted that any gain in parliamentary seats by the opposition would be viewed as a meaningful triumph, given the PAP’s traditional dominance in the legislature. However, the party’s grip appeared increasingly tested by younger, more discerning voters.
Veteran political observer and former news editor P.N. Balji remarked, “Young voters will be a factor in some wards. Unlike the older voters they are prepared to listen to both sides and make an informed decision.”
Forty-year-old voter Shi'ai Liang shared her views on emerging political candidates. “Whether or not they get elected, I hope we see and hear more of them, and get to know them better,” she said, adding that she had found new candidates across parties to be “refreshing and exciting.”
In 2020, the Workers' Party (WP) made significant inroads by winning 10 out of 93 parliamentary seats, up from four. The party, now more polished in its political approach, aimed to capitalise on that progress with a roster that included prominent figures such as a top lawyer.
During the campaign, the WP drew massive crowds at its rallies, reminiscent of previous election cycles. However, such turnouts had not always resulted in electoral success.
WP candidates criticised the government for implementing a goods and services tax increase amid surging inflation and argued that the administration had failed to sufficiently contain living costs in one of the world’s most expensive nations. They also called for more opposition members in parliament to prevent the PAP from holding a “blank cheque” and to ensure accountability.
In response, the PAP pointed to its extensive financial assistance schemes, which included cash disbursements and grocery vouchers aimed at helping Singaporeans manage increasing expenses.
Roughly 2.75 million eligible citizens were registered to vote for 97 seats in the unicameral parliament. Polls opened at 8:00 am (0000 GMT) for 12 hours of voting, with initial results anticipated around midnight.
