Supporters display a poster of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during an election night event in Singapore. Photographer: Ore Huiying | Bloomberg
Concerns over the rising cost of housing, inflation, and slowing wage growth dominated the campaign period. Opposition groups, including the Workers’ Party, aimed to capitalize on these issues but saw limited gains. The Workers’ Party maintained its 10-seat hold from 2020 but did not add new constituencies to its tally.
PAP’s results consolidate its power, continuing a political era that began under founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and later passed to Lee Hsien Loong. Wong now enters his first full term with an expanded mandate, facing a global economic landscape shaped by shifting alliances and trade policy realignments.
The Workers’ Party leadership said it would continue to offer an alternative voice in parliament. “Our role remains essential in providing checks and maintaining transparency,” said party leader Pritam Singh after the results were announced.
Increased voter engagement was evident, with turnout above 90%. Campaign activity was robust, particularly in urban precincts where affordability and employment-related anxieties resonated. Still, the PAP’s longstanding narrative of stability and growth appeared to carry more weight with the electorate.
The general election outcome follows a week of similar developments elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region. In Australia, Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party secured one of its strongest showings since the Second World War. Canada’s Liberal Party, under Mark Carney, also returned to power, gaining momentum from a fragmented conservative opposition.
Singapore’s political structure offers limited room for rapid opposition growth. The ruling party’s organizational strength and historical influence over policy and governance remain deeply entrenched. However, the continued presence of opposition voices indicates steady civic engagement in the country’s evolving political space.
Wong addressed supporters at a post-election event, standing beside large posters bearing his image. “This is a renewed mandate to govern responsibly, to prepare Singapore for the future, and to safeguard what we’ve built together,” he said during the brief appearance.
The PAP-led government is expected to begin forming its cabinet within the coming week. Economic policy, foreign trade resilience, and public housing affordability are expected to feature prominently in its immediate legislative agenda.
Workers’ Party Retains Foothold, Seeks Expanded Role
The Workers’ Party held onto all 10 seats it secured in 2020. Though the result fell short of expectations to expand, the party maintains its position as the largest opposition group and remains vocal on issues such as transparency, housing access, and parliamentary accountability.
Voters Opt for Stability Across Region
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In both Australia and Canada, voters backed incumbents in elections held the same week as Singapore’s. Economies facing global trade headwinds and domestic fiscal pressures saw electorates lean toward experienced leadership.
Analysts say the regional pattern reflects a cautious preference for continuity over abrupt change.
