PAP wins landslide, secures 87 seats as Workers Party holds ground
Singapore held its 14th general election on May 3rd, 2025, with the People's Action Party winning 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and increasing its vote share to 65.57 percent, up from 61.24 percent in 2020. The Workers' Party retained all 10 of its seats, gaining two additional non-constituency seats. Voter turnout was 92.83 percent, the lowest since 1968. The election was dominated by voter concerns over cost of living, employment, and global economic uncertainty, particularly related to US tariff policies. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who became PAP leader in December 2024, achieved what no previous new PAP leader has done by increasing the party's vote share in his first election. While the PAP maintains its supermajority, the result signals voter appetite for continuity and stable leadership amid geopolitical turbulence, though some analysts noted the opposition Workers' Party's consolidation as Singapore's strongest opposition force.
Key facts
- PAP won 87 of 97 contested parliamentary seats with 65.57 percent of the popular vote, up 4.35 percentage points from 2020
- Workers' Party retained 10 seats and gained 2 additional non-constituency seats; WP vote share increased to 14.99 percent from 11.22 percent in 2020
- Voter turnout was 92.83 percent, the lowest since 1968, with 2,438,610 votes cast
- Lawrence Wong became the first new PAP Prime Minister to increase the party's vote share in his first election
- A record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women, the highest number of female candidates in Singapore's history
- Electoral boundaries were extensively redrawn six weeks before the election, affecting 28 of 33 constituencies
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning and critical analysts point to extensive electoral boundary changes that allegedly disadvantaged opposition parties, describing the redistricting as gerrymandering that undermines democratic fairness. They highlight that boundary modifications systematically benefited PAP-won constituencies and fragmented opposition strength. Critics also note that despite the PAP's victory, evidence of voter interest in alternative voices emerged through strong Workers' Party rally attendance and growing scrutiny of cost-of-living issues.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and pro-government sources defend Singapore's election system and highlight the PAP's strong mandate to lead. They attribute boundary changes to natural population shifts rather than political manipulation, emphasizing that electoral processes are fair and independent. These sources praise the PAP's experienced governance record, Wong's leadership capability, and the electorate's choice of stability over uncertainty. They present the result as validation of PAP policies and governance.
Limits of this briefing
Sources differ significantly on the interpretation of electoral boundary changes, with pro-government sources citing population shifts versus critics citing gerrymandering evidence. Most international coverage provides limited detail on Singapore's specific policy positions or detailed opposition manifestos, potentially limiting assessment of substantive policy debates.
Sources
- Asia Society Policy Institute: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- ABC News Australia: People's Action Party wins yet another election by landslide in Singapore Centre
- CAPE Singapore / Academic Analysis: Electoral Boundaries: An Explainer - Critical Analysis of Gerrymandering Claims Left
- ResearchGate / Academic Study: Gerrymandering and its Effects in Singapore's 2025 General Elections Left
- East Asia Forum: People's Action Party Prevails in Singapore Centre