PAP wins strong mandate with 65.57 percent vote share in Singapore GE2025
Singapore held its 14th general election on May 3rd, 2025. The ruling People's Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won a decisive victory with 65.57 percent of the popular vote, up from 61.24 percent in 2020. The PAP secured 87 of 97 parliamentary seats. The opposition Workers' Party retained its 10 elected seats and gained two additional non-constituency seats through the best loser mechanism. Nine other opposition parties and independent candidates won no seats. Voter turnout was high at around 82 percent. The election came amid concerns about Singapore's rising cost of living and geopolitical uncertainty, with analysts noting that voters prioritized political stability and continuity. Wong, in his first election as PAP secretary-general, framed the contest as Singapore versus global challenges rather than PAP versus opposition.
Key facts
- PAP won 65.57 percent of popular vote in May 3, 2025 election, up 4.33 percentage points from 61.24 percent in 2020
- PAP secured 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats; Workers' Party retained 10 elected seats plus 2 non-constituency seats
- Voter turnout reached approximately 82 percent with 2.16 million Singaporeans voting
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's election was his first as PAP secretary-general and a test of his leadership
- Cost of living and economic concerns were voters' primary issue heading into election
- 9 opposition parties and 2 independent candidates lost all races; only PAP and Workers' Party won seats
- Record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women—highest number of female candidates in Singapore history
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning critics, including Lee Hsien Yang before the election, condemned the PAP as an increasingly autocratic regime that has strayed from founder Lee Kuan Yew's vision. They highlighted rising inequality, alleged legal repression targeting dissent, and argued Singapore ranks fourth globally in crony capitalism, with the system favoring the wealthy and politically connected while constraining freedoms.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning observers, including government statements, emphasized the election as validation of the PAP's proven competence and strong governance. They argued the landslide victory reflected voter confidence in Wong's Forward Singapore roadmap and the PAP's ability to navigate trade wars and global challenges, while dismissing opposition criticism as stemming from personal vendettas rather than substantive policy differences.
Limits of this briefing
Limited coverage found explicitly from right-leaning outlets outside government statements. Analysis relies heavily on international media interpretation, local government responses, and opposition perspectives rather than dedicated right-wing news analysis of the results.
Sources
- East Asia Forum: People's Action Party prevails in Singapore Centre
- The Diplomat: Singapore's PAP Scores Decisive Victory in General Election Centre
- Asia Society Policy Institute: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Left
- ASEAN Briefing: Singapore's 2025 Election: Signals for Foreign Investors Right
- The Online Citizen: LHY issues scathing NYT rebuke of PAP, calls It 'no longer a benevolent autocracy' Left