Singapore's long-time People's Action Party won another slip in Saturday's general election, expanding its 66-year uninterrupted rule under a huge boost from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took over Lawrence Wong a year ago.
The Election Department announced that after the vote count was over, PAP won 82 seats in parliament. The party earlier won five undisputed seats, winning 87 out of a total of 97 seats. The opposition Workers' Party maintains its 10 seats.
The PAP's popular vote rose to 65.6%, up from the close record low of 61% in the 2020 poll. Pap, who has ruled Singapore since 1959, gathered in the stadium to waving flags to cheer for the celebration.
Wong said in his speech before his constituency: “We once again thank you for your strong empowerment. We will be trusted by working harder to give us.”
Eugene Tan, a law professor at Singapore Management University, said the opposition failed to further infringement after 2020. “Singapore voters play cards near their chests. Today, they say their trust is at the party that has been issued over the years,” he said.
After U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hike, economist who trained the U.S. is also the Treasury secretary, who calls for guidance on Singapore's trade-dependent Singapore through economic turmoil. The government lowered its growth forecast and warned of a possible recession.
Wong, 52, replaced Lee Hsien Loong as the fourth leader of the city-state. Lee resigned in May 2024 after two decades at the helm, but served as senior minister in the cabinet.
His retirement as prime minister ended a family dynasty, built the former colonial rearwater into one of the world’s wealthiest countries in 31 years by his father Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore’s first leader Lee Kuan Yew).
PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity, but strict government control and rising cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities have also led to unhappy development, especially among young voters. Expanding income differences, increasing housing, overcrowding and restrictions on freedom of speech have made PAP's control over power loose.
The opposition said making it stronger in parliament would allow for a more balanced political system and greater accountability. But they face a difficult task, often stranded by a lack of resources, fragmented support and lack of solidarity. Critics say Gerrymandering also gives PAP an edge.
Workers' Party head Pritam Singh acknowledged it was a tough game and vowed to continue to fight for a more balanced parliament. “The slate is wiped clean, we'll start working again tomorrow, we're starting again,” he said.
Southeast Asian political analyst Bridget Welsh said that while Labor failed to expand its business, its voting share in some areas has increased. However, other smaller opposition parties failed to make a breakthrough.
Wales said voters chose to be stable due to concerns over global volatility in U.S. tariffs. Wang's more approachable leadership in attracting younger voters and working hard to renew Pap's efforts, she said, also helps swing votes.
“I call it Huang and Trump's effect,” she said. “The issue of economic insecurity really reinforces his mission.”
