Singapore – April 15, 2025:
Singapore’s parliament was officially dissolved on Tuesday, paving the way for a general election that must be held within the next three months, according to a notification published in the government gazette. This marks the beginning of a closely watched political contest in the city-state, especially as it will be the first major electoral test for new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Wong, who succeeded long-time leader Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024 as head of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), will lead the party into the polls amid economic uncertainty and a more politically assertive electorate. While the PAP has governed Singapore since its independence in 1965 and is widely expected to retain power, recent trends show a decline in its share of the popular vote.
In the last general election in 2020, the PAP secured a majority but faced its worst electoral showing in history, with the opposition Workers’ Party winning 10 seats in Parliament — a record. The upcoming election will be held in 97 constituencies, including 15 single-member constituencies and 18 group representation constituencies, with a total of four more seats than the previous vote.
The economic backdrop poses a new challenge for the PAP. Singapore recently downgraded its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 0%–2%, citing global headwinds including tariff tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The trade-reliant economy’s struggles could influence voter sentiment, particularly among younger and middle-income Singaporeans.
Observers note that the budget delivered by Wong in February 2025 was filled with broad-based benefits, including cash handouts, tax rebates, and housing support, leading analysts to label it as a “full-blown election budget” aimed at bolstering support ahead of the polls.
As the campaign period kicks off, political analysts will be watching closely for signs of whether the opposition can make further inroads — and whether the PAP can maintain its stronghold under its new leadership.
