Key points
- Wong faces first electoral test as PM
- Focus on whether opposition can extend gains
- Changes in popular vote a yardstick for PAP approval
ISLAMABAD: Singaporeans cast their votes Saturday in an election where Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first major test against a rejuvenated opposition in uncertain economic times for the trade-centred nation.
Wong’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has steered the island to prosperity while using an iron hand to suppress dissent, is expected to easily retain a clear majority in parliament.
Heavy rains marked the opening of polls at 8am (0000 GMT), but they stopped by mid-morning, according to Reuters.
By noon, almost half of the eligible voters had cast their ballots at one of 1,240 polling stations set up in community centres, schools and other neighbourhood spaces across the city-state.
Strong mandate
Popular after leading Singapore’s Covid task force, Wong took over last year from his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew who ruled the island state after its bitter break-up with Malaysia in 1965.
Sharing my final thoughts as we wrap up our campaign. Please give me and my team the chance to do our best for you!#TeamPAP #GE2025 pic.twitter.com/0Bu43E8u7X
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) May 1, 2025
Wong has repeatedly said he needed a strong mandate to navigate heavily trade-reliant Singapore through economic uncertainty in light of tariffs levied by US President Donald Trump.
He has warned Singapore would be hit hard if Trump went ahead with the tariffs he announced and then paused for most countries, except China, and needed to stay open and competitive to counter their effects.
“So I say to all Singaporeans, please consider carefully. This is not a gamble. This is your family, your future, our Singapore,” he said during the campaign.
“Refreshing and exciting”
Political analyst Nydia Ngiow said the PAP had long been seen as Singapore’s steady hand in crises but that the recent tariff turmoil may not be a big factor for voters yet.
“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,” she told AFP.
Muhammad Nazri bin Hadri, a 25-year-old voter, said he was finding it “very difficult” to buy a house.
“I hope there are some changes to (public housing) rules,” he told AFP after casting his ballot.
Overwhelming PAP majority
The overwhelming PAP majority in Singapore’s unicameral legislature is such a norm in the wealthy island’s political landscape that the opposition and its supporters will consider a few more seats gained as a significant victory, observers said.
But, the PAP’s dominance is increasingly being challenged by a more vocal electorate, especially among younger voters who appear open to alternative political voices.
“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,” said veteran former news editor and political observer PN Balji.
One voter told AFP she had been impressed by “refreshing and exciting” new candidates from across the political spectrum.
“Whether or not they get elected, I hope we see and hear more of them, and get to know them better,” said 40-year-old Shi’ai Liang.
Crowds at opposition rallies
In 2020, the country’s largest opposition group, the Workers’ Party (WP), made historic gains, winning 10 of the 93 seats at stake — a significant jump from its previously held four seats.
It’s time. #StepUp with us. Together, we’re #WorkingforSingapore #GE2025 pic.twitter.com/LYSddp19tC
— The Workers’ Party (@wpsg) April 16, 2025
The WP — which has become politically slicker — is hoping to build on that momentum with a slate of charismatic candidates, including a top lawyer.
The party pulled in massive crowds at its rallies during the campaign, just like in previous elections, but those big numbers have seldom translated into electoral wins in the past.
WP candidates have lambasted the government for raising a goods and services tax amid rising inflation and insist the government has not done enough to curb rising costs in one of the most expensive countries in the world.
