Singapore ruling PAP wins landslide, opposition strengthens limited hold
Singapore held its general election on May 3rd, 2025. The ruling People's Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won a decisive victory with 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats. The PAP increased its popular vote share to 65.57 percent, up from 61.23 percent in 2020. The opposition Workers' Party retained its seats and gained two additional ones, bringing their total to 12. Voter turnout was strong at 92.83 percent. The election marked the first test of Lawrence Wong's leadership since becoming Prime Minister in late 2024 and occurred amid concerns about rising cost of living, employment, and housing pressures. The results signal continued PAP governance with generational leadership changes, as senior ministers retired and new candidates were introduced. Most analysts viewed the outcome as endorsing political stability and continuity, though opposition voices had raised concerns about economic pressures facing ordinary Singaporeans.
Key facts
- People's Action Party won 87 of 97 parliamentary seats with 65.57% of the popular vote
- Workers' Party increased its seats from 10 to 12 and gained 14.99% of the popular vote
- Voter turnout was 92.83%, down 2.98 percentage points from 2020
- Lawrence Wong leading his first election as Prime Minister since taking office in May 2024
- Record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women — highest female candidate count ever
- Cost of living was the top voter concern, with opposition pushing GST reduction and housing reform
- At least 30% of Singaporeans report inadequate income for decent living standards
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning commentators highlighted cost-of-living struggles affecting ordinary Singaporeans, with critics noting that at least 30 percent of residents report insufficient income for decent living standards. Progressive voices emphasized how opposition parties had focused campaigns on GST burden and need for reforms to public housing and social support, framing these as responsiveness to citizen economic anxiety.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and business-focused outlets emphasized political stability, policy continuity, and investor confidence as the election's primary outcomes. They highlighted that the PAP's decisive mandate ensures continued investor-friendly policies, regulatory clarity, and the city-state's role as a stable gateway to Southeast Asia amid global economic turbulence.
Limits of this briefing
Coverage analysed represents primarily English-language sources from mainstream and analytical outlets. Limited perspectives from grassroots opposition activists or youth political groups outside official party messaging were found. Some sources may reflect post-election consolidation rather than pre-election uncertainty.
Sources
- Asia Society: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- East Asia Forum: People's Action Party prevails in Singapore Centre
- US-ASEAN Business Council: Singapore General Election 2025: Political Landscape and Policy Continuity Right
- ASEAN Briefing: Singapore's 2025 Election: What Foreign Investors Need to Know Centre
- Lowy Institute: Singapore election: All about the lived economy Left