Singapore Election: Ruling Party Heads Toward Another Landslide/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Singapore’s long-dominant People’s Action Party (PAP) is projected to secure another overwhelming electoral victory, according to a sample vote count. The early numbers point to strong support for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first election since succeeding Lee Hsien Loong. The PAP continues to dominate despite rising cost-of-living pressures and calls for political reform.
Singapore’s 2025 Election Quick Looks:
- PAP leads in 82 of 97 contested seats
- Projected 87 seats in the enlarged Parliament
- Opposition Workers’ Party holds at 10 seats
- Sample count aligns with past final results
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong passes first electoral test
- Wong’s mandate comes amid Trump-era trade pressures
- Rising discontent over housing, cost of living, free speech
- Youth engagement, social media, and party renewal central to PAP strategy
Deep Look: Singapore’s Ruling Party Eyes Another Landslide as Lawrence Wong Passes Key Test
SINGAPORE (AP) – The People’s Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore without interruption since 1959, appears headed for yet another landslide victory in the 2025 general elections. A sample vote count released Saturday by the Elections Department shows the PAP leading in 82 out of 97 contested seats, likely securing 87 seats overall — an improvement over its 83-seat haul in 2020.
Though not final, the sample count historically aligns closely with official results. The full tally is expected later Saturday.
A Strong Start for New Prime Minister Wong
This is Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first electoral contest since taking office in May 2024. The 52-year-old U.S.-trained economist succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, ending a political era tied to Singapore’s founding leader, Lee Kuan Yew.
“Singapore voters played their cards close to their chest. Today, they indicated that their trust is with a party that has delivered over the years,” said political analyst Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University.
Wong has appealed to voters for a strong mandate to navigate economic uncertainty, citing the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Singapore’s trade-dependent economy. The government recently lowered its growth forecast and warned of potential recession.
Sample Count Shows PAP Holding Ground
- PAP projected seats: 87 (up from 83 in 2020)
- Workers’ Party seats: 10 (no change)
- Total parliamentary seats: 97 (expanded from 93)
Despite tightening conditions for everyday citizens and growing dissatisfaction, particularly among younger voters, PAP’s control of Parliament remains firm.
PAP’s Legacy of Prosperity — and Growing Challenges
The PAP is widely credited with transforming Singapore into a global financial powerhouse. However, public frustration is mounting over:
- Soaring housing prices
- Growing income inequality
- Overcrowding in the city-state of 5.9 million
- Restrictions on press and public dissent
In 2020, PAP’s popular vote share slipped to 61%, its second-worst ever, from nearly 70% in 2015. Still, opposition parties remain fragmented and underfunded, hampering their ability to offer a strong alternative.
“Singapore would benefit from a greater diversity of voices in Parliament,” said lawyer Akesh Abhilash, 37, after casting his vote.
Renewal and Reform in the PAP
In response to voter concerns, Wong sought to rejuvenate the party, fielding 32 new candidates as several party veterans retired. He also emphasized engagement with younger voters through social media and committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Supporters flooded a stadium on Saturday afternoon, waving flags and cheering in anticipation of another PAP victory — a familiar scene in Singapore’s tightly controlled political landscape.
“We do see growing civic awareness and pressure for reform, but the PAP remains a symbol of continuity and stability,” said Tan.
As final results are awaited, the PAP’s dominance appears secure, reaffirming its grip on Singapore’s political future — at least for now.
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