Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, secured a resounding victory in the May 3, 2025, general election, winning 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and extending its 66-year rule. This landslide, Wong’s first electoral test since becoming prime minister in May 2024, saw the PAP garner 65.57% of the vote, up from 61.24% in 2020, signaling strong public trust amid global economic uncertainties. Voters, wary of U.S. tariff threats and rising costs, chose stability over opposition calls for change, handing Wong a robust mandate to navigate Singapore through turbulent times.
- PAP won 87 seats, with the opposition Workers’ Party retaining 10, and secured 65.57% of 2.386 million valid votes.
- Wong emphasized addressing cost-of-living and housing concerns, promising to “redouble efforts” post-election.
- Global leaders, including the U.S. and EU, congratulated Wong, highlighting Singapore’s role in trade and security.
The Resounding Mandate for Lawrence Wong
Lawrence Wong’s resounding victory reflects Singaporeans’ confidence in his leadership during a precarious global economic climate. The 52-year-old, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in 2024, campaigned on stability, warning that U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump could necessitate economic restructuring. “The intense campaigning by PM Wong and former PM Lee Hsien Loong must have helped, and the fear of Trump’s tariffs worried voters,” said political observer P.N. Balji. The PAP’s 4% vote share increase from 2020, when it faced COVID-related backlash, marks Wong as the first PAP leader to boost the party’s share in his debut election.
The election, Singapore’s 14th since independence in 1965, saw 2.6 million voters at 1,240 polling stations, despite a record-low 92.47% turnout for compulsory voting. The PAP’s walkover in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights added five uncontested seats, while fierce opposition from the Workers’ Party (WP) and others, including the Progress Singapore Party, failed to dent its dominance. Wong’s post-election pledge to form a new Cabinet and tackle voter concerns like housing affordability underscored his commitment to actionable governance.
Why This Resounding Win Matters
The PAP’s resounding triumph reinforces Singapore’s reputation for political stability, a critical asset for a trade-dependent nation facing a projected 0–2% GDP growth in 2025. Manufacturing activity contracted in April 2025 due to U.S. tariff-induced export disruptions, amplifying voter preference for the PAP’s experience. Unlike the 2020 election, where the WP gained a record 10 seats, the opposition stagnated, with the WP retaining Aljunied, Sengkang, and Hougang but failing to expand. Analyst Ian Chong noted Singaporeans’ risk-averse nature, saying, “Singapore feels vulnerable given its economy’s exposure to international forces.”
International observers took note, with the U.S. State Department and EU’s Ursula von der Leyen praising the result as a signal of trust. Posts on X, like
@MothershipSG’s, highlighted the “clear & strong mandate” for Wong, reflecting public and global sentiment. The PAP’s institutional reach and resources, contrasted with the opposition’s fragmented efforts across 10 parties, cemented its dominance, though analysts like Teo Kay Key suggested voters are now more selective about opposition candidates.
Resounding Economic and Social Priorities
Wong’s campaign addressed pressing issues: inflation, wage stagnation, and housing costs. His budget included cash handouts and vouchers, appealing to younger voters seeking inclusivity. Post-election, Wong vowed to intensify efforts on these fronts, saying, “We will redouble our efforts to tackle these issues of concern.” The PAP’s ability to balance campaign promises with trade negotiations, led by Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong against U.S. tariffs, bolstered its credibility. Wong’s prior role as COVID taskforce leader also lent familiarity, enhancing his appeal.
Challenges Beyond the Resounding Victory
Despite the landslide, challenges loom. The PAP faced pre-election controversies, including a cabinet minister scandal and Lee Hsien Loong’s feud with his brother, Lee Hsien Yang, who supports the opposition from asylum in Britain. Wong must navigate U.S.-China trade tensions, with Singapore caught between its largest trading partners. A potential recession, coupled with public expectations for bold reforms, will test his leadership. Critics argue the PAP’s dominance stifles political diversity, though Wong’s openness to feedback suggests a willingness to evolve.
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