Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has achieved a decisive victory in the 2025 general election, securing 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats and reinforcing its unbroken governance since the nation’s independence in 1965. This landslide win marks the PAP’s 14th consecutive electoral triumph and provides Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with a robust mandate in his first general election as the nation’s leader.
A Resounding Mandate Amid Global Uncertainty
The PAP garnered 65.6% of the popular vote, an increase from the 61% achieved in the 2020 election. This surge in support is attributed to voters’ desire for stability amid global economic challenges, including trade tensions and rising living costs. Prime Minister Wong emphasized that the election results would enable Singapore to navigate an increasingly turbulent global environment.
Voter turnout was notably high, with over 92% of the 2.6 million electorate casting their ballots, reflecting strong civic engagement in the city-state.
Opposition Maintains Presence but Faces Challenges
The Workers’ Party (WP), Singapore’s main opposition, retained its 10 parliamentary seats, solidifying its position as the primary alternative to the PAP. Despite the PAP’s dominance, the WP’s ability to maintain its foothold indicates a growing appetite for diverse political voices among the electorate. Analysts suggest that Singapore is evolving into a “one-and-a-half party” system, with the WP emerging as a credible, though still distant, challenger to the PAP’s entrenched control.
WP leader Pritam Singh acknowledged the difficulties faced by opposition parties in Singapore’s political landscape but expressed commitment to providing a robust alternative voice in Parliament.
Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
This election marks the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in 2024. Wong’s leadership style and strategic party renewal, including the introduction of younger candidates, have been credited with rejuvenating the PAP’s image and appeal among voters.
Despite the electoral success, the PAP government faces ongoing challenges, including addressing income inequality, housing affordability, and the impacts of global economic shifts. The strong mandate provides the government with the political capital to implement necessary reforms and policies to tackle these issues.
International Reactions
The United States and other international partners have extended congratulations to Singapore on the successful conduct of the elections. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the continued strong bilateral ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
