Singapore’s long-dominant People’s Action Party (PAP) has extended its 66-year rule with another landslide victory in Saturday’s general elections, granting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a powerful mandate just one year after taking office. The PAP secured 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats, with five uncontested, and boosted its popular vote to 65.6%, up from 61% in 2020. The opposition Workers Party retained its 10 seats but made no new gains.
Prime Minister Wong, a U.S.-trained economist and Singapore’s fourth leader since independence, succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024. His leadership through economic headwinds, including fears of a recession tied to global instability and U.S. tariffs, appears to have resonated with voters seeking continuity and stability.
The Workers Party acknowledged the uphill battle of competing in a tightly controlled political landscape marked by limited resources, fragmented opposition, and gerrymandering. Despite no seat gains, the party increased its vote share in some constituencies, signaling a consolidating support base.
Analysts attribute the PAP’s success to Wong’s approachable style, efforts to engage younger voters, and strategic party renewal. Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia political expert, dubbed the result the “Wong and Trump effect,” noting that economic anxiety and geopolitical uncertainty drove voters toward the familiarity of PAP governance.
Source: Swifteradio.com
