PAP wins landslide Singapore election as Workers Party holds firm opposition ground
Singapore held its general election on May 3, 2025, with the People's Action Party winning 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and 65.57 percent of the popular vote—its best performance since 2011. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong secured his first electoral mandate since taking office in May 2024. The Workers Party retained all 10 of its seats and will hold 12 total with two additional non-constituency seats, consolidating its position as the main opposition. Smaller opposition parties saw candidates lose their deposits at a record rate, with 27 candidates forfeiting money—surpassing the 1972 record. Analysts attributed the PAP's strong showing to voters seeking stability amid global economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and geopolitical volatility. Cost of living remained the leading voter concern, though support varied by age group, with younger generations showing less optimism than older voters about the government's future.
Key facts
- PAP won 87 of 97 seats with 65.57 percent popular vote, up from 61.24 percent in 2020
- Workers Party retained all 10 elected seats plus 2 non-constituency seats for total of 12
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first election as PAP leader saw PAP vote share increase, first time in Singapore history new PM's election brought vote gains
- 27 candidates forfeited their 13,500 Singapore dollar deposits, exceeding 1972 record
- Voter turnout was 92.83 percent; voting is compulsory for citizens over 21
- Cost of living was top voter concern across all age groups, 65 percent want government to prioritize
- Gen Z voters showed only 47 percent approval of election outcome versus 62 percent for Baby Boomers
- Progress Singapore Party failed to enter Parliament after holding 2 non-constituency seats in 2020
- Record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women—highest female candidate participation in Singapore history
- Electoral campaign lasted only 9 days between nomination and polling day
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning critics highlight structural disadvantages facing opposition parties, including electoral gerrymandering through constituency redrawing described as lacking transparency, the GRC system that effectively favors the ruling party, short nine-day campaign windows that disadvantage challengers, and high candidate deposit requirements that function as barriers to entry. They also emphasize voter frustration over GST hikes and rising inequality, questioning whether the election truly reflects informed choice or voter resignation due to institutional constraints.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and pro-business sources emphasize the PAP's strong mandate as confirmation of effective governance, economic stability, and pragmatic management. They celebrate political continuity and policy predictability as beneficial for investors and business confidence. They also note the Workers Party's failure to expand beyond its existing seats despite pre-election optimism, viewing this as validation of the PAP's superior ground organization and campaign strategy. They stress Singapore's reputation as a stable hub for regional commerce and the importance of strong leadership amid trade wars.
Limits of this briefing
Most available sources focus on establishment and centrist analyses. Alternative critiques of electoral structures are present but concentrated in left-wing and critical academic outlets. Limited direct opposition party statements in primary sources; some analysis reflects pre-election speculation versus post-election reality. Younger voter perspectives are underrepresented relative to post-election surveys.
Sources
- Foreign Policy: Why Singapore's Ruling Party Won Yet Again Left
- The Jakarta Post: What we can expect from Singapore as the PAP tightens grip Left
- Asia Society: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- Edelman Global Advisory: Singapore's 2025 General Election: Resounding Mandate & Continuity Secured Right
- CNBC: Singapore's Wong retains power as ruling People's Action Party boosts vote share in landslide victory Right