SINGAPORE — Singaporeans are set to head to the polls on Saturday for a general election that is expected to keep the long-standing People’s Action Party (PAP) in power. This election will offer insights into the public’s trust in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s administration.
The PAP has a legacy of winning every election since Singapore became independent in 1965. Wong, who assumed the role of prime minister last year, is aiming to gain a more significant mandate in this election after the party faced challenges during the 2020 election due to increasing public dissatisfaction.
**Understanding the Voting Process**
The general election in Singapore occurs every five years and all eligible citizens are required to vote. The country employs a mixed electoral system encompassing single-member wards and group representation constituencies (GRCs), where voters elect a team of candidates, ensuring minority representation. This system, while promoting diversity, is said by critics to favor the PAP, making it difficult for opposition parties to gain momentum in elections.
Approximately 2.76 million Singaporeans are eligible to vote for 97 parliamentary seats, although the PAP has already secured five seats uncontested in a GRC without opposition candidates. The electoral map consists of 33 constituencies, comprising 15 single-member wards and 18 GRCs. Voting will take place from 8 a.m. and is expected to produce results by the end of the day.
**What’s at Stake in This Election?**
This election represents a significant moment for Wong, who took over from former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Lee’s two-decade leadership concluded a family legacy, started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed Singapore into one of the most prosperous nations globally.
While the PAP is favored to win, it is faced with diminishing support due to growing discontent concerning high living costs, increasing income inequality, housing affordability issues, immigration-related overcrowding, and restrictions on free speech. In the previous election in 2020, the PAP’s popular support fell to 61%, marking a decline from nearly 70% in 2015, although it retained 83 out of 93 seats. However, opposition parties have been gaining ground, securing 10 parliamentary seats, the most in history.
Although opposition leaders admit they may not displace the PAP, they urge voters to consider enhancing their presence in Parliament. Wong, an economist with U.S. training and a former finance minister, emphasized that a weakened PAP mandate could invite external pressure against Singapore’s interests amid economic uncertainties following U.S. tariff policies.
The government’s adjustment of economic growth forecasts and recession warnings highlight the election’s crucial timing. “Should the PAP’s support weaken, external forces may attempt to contravene our interests. Your strong mandate will equip us to firmly represent Singapore,” Wong asserted during his campaigning.
The PAP has introduced fresh candidates and strategies to solidify its leadership. Wong has proposed financial incentives, vouchers, and other benefits in this year’s budget, targeting younger voters and promoting a more inclusive society. A commanding victory for the PAP could solidify Wong’s leadership and hint at the endurance of the one-party system in Singapore over the coming years.
**Opposition Landscape**
The Workers’ Party (WP), under lawyer Pritam Singh, stands out as the most substantial opposition force and currently holds a parliamentary presence. Singh, recognized as Singapore’s inaugural opposition leader, led his party to win 10 seats in the 2020 elections. Despite its incremental successes, the opposition still encounters hurdles due to limited resources and diverse support.
The WP is fielding 26 candidates this election, with Singh advocating for more equitable governance and accountability, even if the WP secures more seats. Nine additional smaller parties and two independent contenders are also competing for the remaining seats.
“The PAP considers the WP a credible contender, potentially facing a closer contest than in 2020. Whether the WP can build on its momentum by gaining additional seats remains to be seen, but any gains could further challenge the one-party dominance,” stated Eugene Tan, a law professor closely observing the political dynamics.