Singapore PAP wins landslide in GE2025; Workers Party retains strongholds
Singapore held its 14th general election on May 3rd, 2025, with a turnout of 92.83 percent. The People's Action Party won a decisive victory, securing 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and 65.57 percent of the popular vote, up from 61.24 percent in 2020. This marks Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first election as PAP leader. The opposition Workers' Party retained its 10 seats in strongholds including Aljunied, Sengkang, and Hougang, and also gained two non-constituency seats. It was the first general election where Lawrence Wong led the PAP. Cost of living, employment, and housing affordability dominated campaign debates. No other opposition parties secured seats. The election featured a record 211 candidates, including 53 women, the highest number in Singapore's history.
Key facts
- PAP won 87 of 97 seats with 65.57 percent vote share, up 4.35 percentage points from 2020
- Workers Party retained 10 directly elected seats plus 2 non-constituency seats
- Election turnout was 92.83 percent, down 2.98 percentage points from 2020
- This was Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first general election as PAP leader
- Record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women, highest in Singapore history
- Campaign period lasted only 9 days, from April 23 to May 1
- Cost of living, employment and housing were top voter concerns
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning critics highlight systemic democratic deficits, including restricted press freedom, weaponization of defamation laws like POFMA against political opponents, and structural electoral advantages favoring the PAP such as short campaign periods (9 days), high candidate deposits, and gerrymandering. Commentators note voters increasingly seek greater voice in governance and resent heavy-handed state intervention in citizens' lives. Some point to historical tactics like conditioning public housing upgrades on voting PAP.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and establishment commentary celebrates the PAP's decisive mandate and praised its experienced, stable leadership as the right choice during turbulent times. The PAP itself framed opposition votes as weakening governance capacity during trade wars and global crises. Commentary emphasizes the party's track record of meritocratic administration and notes voters embraced the PAP's warning against fragmentation of executive power.
Limits of this briefing
Most sources focused on the PAP victory narrative; fewer articles provided deep critical analysis of electoral system concerns. Regional media coverage was limited, with most reporting from Singapore-based outlets or international wire services. Long-term impacts of the PAP's continued dominance on Singapore's democratic development remain a subject of analytical debate without clear consensus.
Sources
- Statista: The 2025 general election in Singapore - statistics & facts Centre
- Asia Society: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- PBS NewsHour: Singapore's long-ruling party wins another election landslide in boost for new prime minister Centre
- Medium: Singapore's Democracy: Stability or Stagnation? Left
- East Asia Forum: People's Action Party prevails in Singapore Centre