Singapore’s long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) achieved a decisive victory in the recent general elections, extending its 66-year reign. The party secured 82 parliamentary seats and five uncontested ones, totaling 87 out of 97 seats, while the opposition Workers’ Party retained its 10. The PAP garnered 65.6% of the popular vote, a rebound from a near-record low of 61% in the 2020 elections. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who ascended to leadership a year ago, expressed gratitude for the mandate and pledged to work harder for Singapore’s citizens.
Political analyst Eugene Tan remarked on the unexpected failure of the opposition to gain ground this election cycle, suggesting voters favored a party that has consistently delivered results. Wong’s appeal for support comes amid economic challenges, including lowered growth forecasts and concerns about a potential recession, heightened by global trade uncertainties.
Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who led Singapore for two decades and is part of a political dynasty founded by his father, Lee Kuan Yew. While the PAP is viewed as a stable and prosperous force, rising living costs, income disparity, and restrictions on free speech have caused discontent among younger voters. The opposition, led by Pritam Singh of the Workers’ Party, aims to strengthen its presence for a more balanced political discourse but faces challenges such as limited resources and fragmented support.
Despite setbacks, the Workers’ Party reported increased voter support in some areas. Analysts note that Wong’s approachability and efforts to rejuvenate the PAP with new faces helped secure votes amidst global economic concerns, coining this dynamic as the “Wong and Trump effect.”
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