Singapore PAP wins landslide with 65.6 percent vote, Workers Party gains seats
Singapore held its general election on May 3, 2025, the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's leadership. The ruling People's Action Party won 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and increased its popular vote share to 65.57 percent, up from 61.23 percent in 2020. The opposition Workers' Party retained its 10 seats and won 2 additional Non-Constituency Member of Parliament seats, bringing its total representation to 12. Turnout remained high at 92.83 percent. The election was contested by a record 211 candidates, including 53 women, the highest number in Singapore's history. Cost of living emerged as a central campaign issue, with the opposition criticizing government economic policies and goods and services tax increases. The results deliver Prime Minister Wong a strong mandate for his first full term and signal voter preference for political stability amid global economic uncertainties.
Key facts
- People's Action Party won 87 of 97 contested parliamentary seats on May 3, 2025
- PAP's popular vote increased to 65.57 percent from 61.23 percent in 2020
- Workers' Party retained 10 seats and gained 2 NCMP seats for total representation of 12
- Voter turnout was 92.83 percent, down 2.98 percentage points from 2020
- A record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women candidates, highest in Singapore history
- Cost of living was central campaign issue, with opposition criticizing GST increases to 9 percent
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong secured mandate in first general election as PAP leader
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning analysis highlights that opposition parties, particularly the Workers' Party, raised legitimate concerns about rising cost-of-living pressures and criticized government economic strategies including GST hikes. Analysts note that at least 30 percent of Singaporeans report struggling to afford a decent standard of living, suggesting economic grievances are real, even as voters ultimately chose the incumbent party for stability.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and business-focused outlets frame the election as validation of the PAP's proven governance track record and economic management credentials. They emphasize that voters rejected opposition calls for greater checks and balances in favor of experienced, predictable leadership during uncertain times. The narrative stresses continuity in pro-business policies, investor confidence, and Singapore's regional positioning as a stable financial hub.
Limits of this briefing
Limited perspective from grassroots opposition voices or activist organizations was found in mainstream sources. Analysis represents primarily institutional and business-sector viewpoints rather than comprehensive coverage of all political perspectives within Singapore's constrained media environment.
Sources
- Asia Society Policy Institute: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- The Asia Group: The Results of Singapore's General Election 2025 Right
- BowerGroupAsia: Singapore's Election 2025: Unexpected Landslide Victory Delivers a Clear Strong Mandate Right
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy: Why did some opposition parties see stinging losses at GE2025 Centre
- Eurasia Review: Singapore General Elections 2025: A Mandate And Emergence Of A One And A Half Party System Left