High Stakes for the People’s Action Party in a Changing Political Climate

Singaporeans cast their ballots on Saturday in a closely observed general election that marks the first major political test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong earlier this year. While the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)—which has maintained continuous power since independence in 1965—is widely expected to win, public sentiment surrounding economic pressures and restrictive governance is being closely scrutinized. The PAP faces rising dissatisfaction from voters over issues such as inflation, housing constraints, and the recently implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike, prompting speculation that the margin of victory may no longer reflect the commanding leads of past decades. A strong vote share is essential for Lawrence Wong’s government to secure legitimacy and political authority as Singapore navigates complex global and domestic challenges.

Highlights:

Singapore holds its first general election under new PM Lawrence Wong.
The ruling PAP is expected to retain power, but margins are under close observation.
Economic discontent and tighter government controls are affecting voter sentiment.

ELD Confirms 48% Turnout by Noon, Reaches 82% by Late Afternoon

According to the Elections Department (ELD), voter turnout was brisk from the early morning hours. By 12:00 noon, 48% of eligible voters—approximately 1,261,449 individuals—had already cast their ballots in contested areas. This figure surged by 5:00 pm, reaching 82%, with a total of 2,164,593 voters out of 2,627,026 eligible participating in the election. Voting is compulsory in Singapore, but turnout rates and the pace of participation still offer useful indicators of voter enthusiasm and civic engagement. As of 2024, Singapore’s total population stood at 6.04 million, a figure buoyed by an uptick in non-resident numbers amid the city-state’s recovery from global disruptions.

Highlights:

By noon, 48% of voters had cast their ballots, rising to 82% by 5:00 pm.
ELD confirms participation of over 2.16 million voters in contested constituencies.
Singapore’s total population hit 6.04 million in 2024, driven by non-resident growth.

Opposition Presence Capped as PAP Faces Test of Legitimacy

The Workers’ Party (WP), Singapore’s main opposition force, is contesting only 26 out of 92 seats, limiting its parliamentary expansion. Similarly, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) is contesting just 13 seats, effectively restricting its legislative influence. This election marks a crucial juncture for the PAP, not in terms of retaining government, but in solidifying its vote share and popular legitimacy under new leadership. A narrow margin of victory or increased opposition presence could reflect underlying currents of change in Singapore’s traditionally centralized political environment. Analysts believe that even marginal gains by opposition parties could signal a broader appetite for political diversity and checks on power.

Highlights:

WP is contesting only 26 seats, while PSP is running in 13 constituencies.
PAP’s continued dominance is expected, but voter sentiment is under scrutiny.
Small shifts in opposition support could signal growing political pluralism.

Pritam Singh: The Workers’ Party Leader Under Legal and Political Spotlight

Pritam Singh, the long-time leader of the Workers’ Party, remains a central figure in Singapore’s evolving opposition politics. Serving as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament since 2020, Singh has represented the Aljunied GRC’s Eunos division since 2011 and has helped grow WP’s national prominence. Of Punjabi Sikh descent, Singh is married to Loveleen Kaur Walia, a theatre practitioner, and the couple has two daughters. However, Singh’s political future faces uncertainty following his recent conviction on two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee, a legal issue that could impact his standing and the WP’s momentum. Despite this, Singh remains a galvanizing voice for political accountability and transparency.

Highlights:

Pritam Singh has led the Workers’ Party since 2018 and represents Aljunied GRC.
Convicted on two counts of lying to Parliament, Singh faces political headwinds.
Remains the central figure in opposition efforts to expand influence.

Economic Anxiety and GST Hike Shape Voter Concerns

Singapore’s reputation for stability, affluence, and efficiency has not shield it from rising cost-of-living pressures. A controversial two-stage GST hike, which took effect in 2023 and culminated in a 9% tax rate, has fueled public dissatisfaction, particularly after the government reported a $4.9 billion fiscal surplus in 2024. While authorities have earmarked nearly $1 billion in handouts to help households cope with daily expenses, critics—including the Workers’ Party—argue that the tax hike was excessive and poorly timed. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, the tension between fiscal prudence and social equity has become a defining issue of the 2025 election.

Highlights:

GST hike to 9% faces public backlash amid $4.9 billion fiscal surplus.
Nearly $1 billion in assistance pledged, but critics call tax hike unnecessary.
Economic inequality emerges as a central election theme despite national prosperity.

Businesses Monitor Stability as Voters Shape Long-Term Direction

Singapore’s role as a financial and corporate hub means that elections—though rarely disruptive—are closely observed by multinational corporations and foreign investors. With many regional headquarters based in the city-state, international stakeholders are looking for policy continuity, especially in areas such as trade, finance, and infrastructure. The 2025 election holds additional symbolic weight as it coincides with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, a milestone highlighting the city’s transformation from post-colonial state to global economic power. Yet with younger voters demanding more accountability, transparency, and pluralistic governance, the PAP’s dominance is increasingly being tested at the margins.

Highlights: