Singapore: PAP secures 14th successive victory

Singapore's People's Action Party won its 14th successive election on Saturday to extend its unbroken six-decade rule, delivering a strong mandate to its new premier as the city-state braces for economic turbulence from a global trade war.

The PAP, which has ruled since before Singapore's 1965 independence, won 87 of the 97 parliamentary seats up for grabs, with victories by huge margins in many of the 33 constituencies as the opposition failed to extend gains in previous contests.

The election was a bellwether of the popularity of the PAP amid some signs of disenchantment with its tight grip on power in the Asian financial hub, whose six million people have known no other kind of government.

Though the PAP has consistently won about 90% of seats, its share of the popular vote is closely watched as a measure of the strength of its mandate, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong eager to leave a mark on his first election in charge after one of the PAP's worst performances on record last time.

The PAP had yet to be formally declared winner but took 65.57% of the vote, according to local media, surpassing the 61.2% achieved in the 2020 contest.

 

Singapore Election 2025

Singapore's 2025 general election concluded today, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's political landscape. This election is the first major test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in 2024, ending the Lee family's long-standing leadership since the country's independence.

The ruling People's Action Party (PAP), in power for 66 years, aims to secure a strong mandate to address pressing economic challenges, including a potential recession linked to global trade tensions

Key Election Highlights

Voter Turnout: Over 2.76 million citizens were eligible to vote at more than 1,200 polling stations, with turnout reaching 82% by late afternoon.

PAP's Position: While the PAP is expected to maintain its majority, the election is closely watched for signs of growing support for the opposition amid public dissatisfaction with government control and a high cost of living.

Opposition's Performance: The Workers' Party (WP), the main opposition, is contesting 26 seats. Analysts are monitoring whether the WP can build on its previous gains, as the PAP received 60.1% of the vote in 2020—its worst result.

Election Dynamics: This election features the highest number of candidates in Singapore's history, with 211 individuals, including two independents, contesting. There are five multi-cornered contests, the most since 1991,

Major Campaign Issues

Economic Concerns: Voters are primarily concerned about the high cost of living, housing affordability, and employment opportunities. The PAP has pledged to address these issues through various support schemes, while opposition parties propose alternative solutions, such as reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and implementing affordable housing schemes.

Political Landscape: The PAP warns that increasing opposition presence in parliament could weaken the nation's government at a critical global juncture. Opposition parties, however, argue for a more balanced government to ensure accountability on constitutional changes and national policy.

Way Forward

Election results are expected early Sunday morning. Observers are keen to see whether the PAP can improve upon its previous performance and how the opposition fares in expanding its parliamentary presence. The outcome will have significant implications for Singapore's political future and its approach to addressing domestic and global challenges