The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), home to Singapore’s founding leaders, hoped to celebrate another thumping victory in Singapore’s 14th straight parliamentary election. The PAP won 87 of the 97 seats available, cementing its decades-long stranglehold on power in Singapore’s electoral system. In his first election as leader, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong declared the outcome. In his words, they offered a “clear and strong mandate” to the party.
Local leaders warned that this election would be a major referendum on Wong’s leadership and reform agenda. Despite facing public discontent regarding economic issues and the unpopular increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 9 percent last year, the PAP’s victory reflects a complex interplay of factors influencing voter sentiment. Worries over U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies were a huge driver of the electoral narrative. In particular, the 10 percent tariffs that were levied on Singaporean exports were at the forefront of that discussion.
Election Results and Voter Sentiment
The PAP’s commanding victory comes against a backdrop of nationwide unease over the likely impact of deteriorating international trade relations on Singapore’s economic future. Especially one whose economy is increasingly dependent on international trade. It’s now at a crossroads with competing factors threatening its claim as the pre-eminent financial center of Asia. Director Wong spoke to the importance of the election results sending an unmistakable signal of trust, stability, and confidence in your government. He argues that this will make Singapore more competitive in a new, turbulent and fractious global environment.
In fact, the PAP was an historic success. Despite the hostility, the opposition was still able to take protected seats in Parliament for granted, winning a minimum of 12 seats. The electoral framework allows for non-constituency Member of Parliament (MP) seats. This helps make sure that those on the other side of an issue are forcefully represented in the legislature. As Wong noted at the time, it was critical to have positive conversation. He further emphasized that the findings encourage the administration to double down on doing more to meet their citizens’ needs.
Over the past few weeks, analysts have pointed to public anger at the cost of living as the key driver of voting behavior. “Cost of living was the number one gripe, but the Trump tariffs changed the narrative,” stated Rahman Yaacob, a local political commentator. He noted that the PAP’s well-earned image of stability probably scared enough voters into backing the ruling party. This support was particularly overdue given the state of our economy.
Media Influence and Political Landscape
The media landscape has long been shaped by heavy government control, as numerous outlets were state-owned enterprises or closely tied with the government. Critics aren’t buying it, saying that it fosters a chilling atmosphere for the public. Instead, they only have access to government-sanctioned points of view, an issue exacerbated by Reporters Without Borders. Michael Barr, a political consultant and former Obama administration official, noted the media’s incredibly strong hold over public perception. He wrote, “A key component was fostering the sense that the PAP government could be voted out in the election. This was a ridiculous proposal, but through the media’s complicity, he turned it into gold.
This media landscape further burdens any opposition’s chances of gaining meaningful traction in Singapore’s political system. Pritam Singh, leader of the Workers’ Party, highlighted the challenges faced by opposition parties, noting, “When we say it’s very difficult for an opposition party, this is another good example.” The ruling party’s entrenched advantage and resources form steep obstacles for challengers looking to build meaningful electoral momentum.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Wong indicated that Singapore would remain vigilant against external economic pressures while focusing on internal stability and growth. Those new electoral boundaries, drawn according to population shifts, will shape the next election. Notably, analysts such as Lily Rahim have warned about the design of the electoral system. She lamented, “The electoral system has been rigged so that they [the opposition] have to move heaven and earth to be successful.”
