Singapore PAP wins decisive victory securing 87 of 97 parliament seats
On May 3, 2025, Singapore held its general election with record turnout of 92.83 percent. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's ruling People's Action Party won a commanding victory, securing 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and 65.57 percent of the popular vote, up from 61.24 percent in 2020. The opposition Workers' Party maintained its 10 elected seats and gained two additional Non-Constituency Member positions, cementing itself as Singapore's main opposition force. The election took place amid economic uncertainty, with global trade tensions and domestic concerns about rising costs of living dominating campaign discussions. Despite these headwinds, voters chose continuity and stability, giving Wong his first electoral mandate since becoming party leader in May 2024. The result reflects Singapore's continued status as a predictable, stable governance environment, though analysts note it also signals growing appetite for diverse political voices amid persistent inequality concerns.
Key facts
- PAP won 87 of 97 contested seats with 65.57 percent of popular vote, up from 61.24 percent in 2020
- Workers' Party maintained 10 elected seats and gained 2 NCMP seats, highest opposition representation in Singapore history
- Election turnout reached 92.83 percent with record 211 candidates competing including 53 women
- Cost of living and employment were top voter concerns; 55 percent of residents said government budget measures inadequate
- Singapore's GDP growth forecast downgraded to 0-2 percent for 2025 amid global trade tensions
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning analysts highlight that Workers' Party gains in recent elections reflect growing public appetite for checks on government power and alternative voices. Opposition leader Pritam Singh and supporters emphasize that rising GST hikes have turbocharged inflation, and critics note that while millionaires flourish, at least 30 percent of Singaporeans cannot afford a decent standard of living. The opposition calls for policy reforms on housing and wealth inequality.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and business-focused sources celebrate the PAP's decisive mandate for economic continuity and pro-business policies. They stress that political stability and predictability are crucial for investor confidence and regional positioning as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Sources note that the PAP's strong victory amid global trade uncertainty signals Singapore's reliable governance, and emphasize that businesses can expect government to maintain digitalization initiatives and regulatory clarity without disruptive policy shifts.
Limits of this briefing
Coverage reflects limited political diversity within Singapore's constrained media environment. Most sources are centrist or business-oriented; genuine left-wing or libertarian critiques may be underrepresented. International sources focus on stability and geopolitics rather than domestic inequality debates.
Sources
- CNBC: Singapore's Wong retains power as ruling People's Action Party boosts vote share in landslide victory Centre
- Al Jazeera: Singapore's ruling party wins election in landslide Centre
- Asia Society: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- South China Morning Post: Singapore election: how ruling PAP scored massive win, denying breakthrough for opposition Centre
- East Asia Forum: People's Action Party prevails in Singapore Centre