Singapore is entering a new chapter in its political history following the dissolution of Parliament and the successful conduct of the country’s 14th General Election. The transition, which has placed newly-appointed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the forefront, signals a continued path of political stability under the long-standing rule of the People’s Action Party (PAP).
Parliament Dissolved Ahead of Elections
On April 15, 2025, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved Singapore’s Parliament at the request of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, paving the way for fresh elections. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the move was aimed at renewing the government’s mandate under its new leadership.
Nomination Day was held on April 23, and Singaporeans went to the polls on May 3, marking the first national election since the leadership transition from former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Lawrence Wong in 2024.
Decisive Victory for the PAP
The ruling PAP, in power since Singapore’s independence in 1965, once again demonstrated its political dominance. Under Wong’s leadership, the party secured 87 out of 97 seats in Parliament, an increase from its 83-seat tally in 2020. The party also improved its share of the popular vote to 65.6%, up from 61% in the previous election.
“This result shows the people’s trust in the PAP and our vision for Singapore’s future,” Wong said in a post-election address.
The Elections Department confirmed the results and voter turnout, which remained robust at over 88%.
Workers’ Party Maintains Opposition Presence
While the PAP retained its overwhelming majority, the Workers’ Party (WP) preserved its position as the leading opposition force. The WP retained all 10 of its seats, primarily in Aljunied GRC, Hougang SMC, and Sengkang GRC.
WP leader Pritam Singh congratulated the PAP but stressed the importance of an “effective and constructive opposition” in Parliament. He vowed to hold the government accountable, especially on issues such as cost of living and housing affordability.
Leadership Transition in Focus
This election was widely seen as a referendum on Lawrence Wong’s leadership. Wong, 52, was officially appointed Prime Minister in May 2024, following the retirement of Lee Hsien Loong after nearly two decades at the helm.
A U.S.-trained economist and former Minister for Finance, Wong has played a key role in steering Singapore through the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the government’s economic recovery efforts. His elevation to the premiership was part of the PAP’s 4G (fourth generation) leadership renewal plan.
This mandate allows us to focus on long-term challenges economic resilience, ageing population, climate transition and continue building a fairer, more inclusive society,” Wong said.
His remarks echo the themes laid out in the PAP manifesto and Budget 2025, which highlight economic transformation, digital innovation, and social safety nets.
Political and Economic Outlook
The PAP’s renewed mandate comes at a critical time. Singapore, a global financial and trade hub, faces economic headwinds including global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Analysts have pointed out that while the PAP remains firmly in control, it faces growing pressure to address bread-and-butter issues. A recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies cited rising living costs, public housing affordability, and job competition as top concerns among voters.
While continuity was a major factor this election, there’s a growing desire for policy innovation and responsiveness,” said political analyst Dr. Gillian Koh.
The Wong administration is expected to unveil new initiatives in the coming months aimed at enhancing income support, digital infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
Public Sentiment and Democratic Engagement
Despite criticism of Singapore’s limited political freedoms, many citizens appear to support the PAP’s steady hand. The absence of major electoral upsets also reflects the public’s preference for stability amid global uncertainty.
That said, the role of the opposition has gained greater legitimacy over the years. WP’s sustained presence in Parliament and increasing engagement by civil society suggest a maturing political landscape.
conclusion
With a fresh five-year mandate, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his team face the task of delivering on promises while navigating a complex global environment. His leadership will be closely watched both at home and abroad, as Singapore seeks to balance economic resilience with social equity and international relevance.
In his victory speech, Wong emphasized unity and forward-thinking leadership: “Let us move ahead together, as one united people, toward a better and more resilient Singapore.”
