SINGAPORE: In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) to a significant 65.57% victory in his first electoral test, defying historical trends where new prime ministers typically perform worse. This reflects a shift in voter sentiment from the 2020 elections, influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic concerns. The PAP’s messaging of experienced leadership resonated well, while the opposition Workers’ Party struggled to capitalize on their previous momentum and secure additional seats.
WHAT DROVE A STRONG PERFORMANCE
While there was some scepticism about whether the PAP could reverse the downward trend seen in the 2020 election, the situation facing Singaporeans is quite different today.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures deployed to address the crisis, including a circuit breaker, mask mandates and other restriction measures, as well as the intense uncertainty over the outbreak of a new and unknown virus, meant that some voters were unhappy over why an election had to be called under such conditions.
In contrast, the current tariff turmoil sparked by United States President Donald Trump has raised serious doubts about the possible impact on inflation and cost of living, a looming economic recession, and challenges in the job market. Potentially, this led more voters to shy away from any future turbulence in the form of political upheaval.
On its part, the PAP took some risks in the 11th-hour manoeuvrings of Nomination Day on Apr 23, notably Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s move to a different constituency, and ensuing warnings about potentially losing an experienced minister.
There was some concern this would backfire if voters felt like they were treated as political pawns. This issue was taken up by opposition parties during rallies and on social media, prompting a concerted response by the PAP, to shore up support for Mr Gan in Punggol against a slate of Workers’ Party newcomers.
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GE2025: Landslide victory for Singapore’s ruling PAP in PM Wong’s first electoral test – as it happened
