The Singapore Election 2025 results have captured global attention as the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) secured a resounding victory under the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. With concerns over economic instability and inflation dominating the public mindset, Singaporean voters chose a path of stability and continuity.
In his first election since becoming party leader last year, Lawrence Wong led the PAP to a landslide victory, securing 65.6% of the vote and a dominant majority in parliament with 97 seats. The outcome underscores public trust in the PAP’s governance, particularly amid rising living costs and global financial uncertainties.
Voters went to the polls on Saturday with concerns over inflation, stagnant wages, and job security. The Singapore Election 2025 results are widely seen as a vote for safety and experienced leadership amid global instability.
Dr. Ian Chong, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, said, “Singapore feels particularly vulnerable due to its economic openness and exposure to international forces… and we tend to be risk-averse voters.”
The main opposition, the center-left Workers’ Party (WP), failed to win additional seats but retained its 10 in parliament. The center-right PAP has ruled Singapore since 1959, making it one of the world’s longest-ruling political parties. The party continues to enjoy strong support, especially from older generations who witnessed the country’s rise under PAP rule.
Although the elections were free from fraud or irregularities, critics argue that PAP maintains an edge through gerrymandering and strict media control. In the three elections leading up to this result, PAP had seen two of its lowest vote shares, with the WP gaining ground in parliament. In the 2020 election, which was widely viewed as a referendum on the government’s COVID-19 response, PAP saw a narrow win.
But with the Singapore Election 2025 results, the PAP staged a comeback. Voters gave Wong a strong mandate. In a televised address on Sunday morning, Wong thanked voters and said the outcome “puts Singapore in a better position to face a turbulent world.”
“Many are watching this election closely — whether it’s the international media, investors, or foreign governments. Tonight’s results send a clear signal of confidence, stability, and trust in your government,” Wong said. “Singaporeans too can draw strength from this and look to the future with hope.”
While Singapore’s open, globalized economy remains relatively resilient, it has experienced inflation surges in recent years. The government has blamed external factors like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and supply chain disruptions. Critics, however, point to the controversial GST hike as a factor worsening inflation.
With the ongoing U.S.-China trade war and looming 10% U.S. tariffs, analysts and officials have warned of economic shocks and possible tech sector slowdowns. Against this backdrop, PAP campaigned on a message of stability. Wong repeatedly pledged that his team would “lead Singapore through the storm,” warning that electing too many opposition MPs could result in losing capable ministers at a time when good governance is most critical.
This message resonated with many voters. A PAP supporter and startup owner who identified only as Amanda told the BBC that her business was affected due to clients halting projects amid the uncertain economy.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty… I want a party with experience in running the government,” she said.
Though PAP has faced several scandals in recent years — including one involving a cabinet minister — these issues were barely discussed during the campaign. Analysts believe economic concerns were far more pressing for voters.
Many see the Singapore Election 2025 results as a vote of confidence in Wong, who gained prominence for leading Singapore’s COVID-19 task force and regularly addressing the public during the pandemic.
Rebecca Tan, a political science lecturer at NUS, noted, “He has shown capability. The COVID task force gave him credibility. He was the guiding hand at the helm… and he projects stability for future global financial uncertainties.”
Wong is the first PAP Prime Minister to improve the party’s vote share in his debut election. His predecessors typically saw a decline, a phenomenon analysts call the “new PM effect” — or public uncertainty over a new leader.
The PAP’s strong result is also partly due to a fragmented opposition, with 10 parties contesting the ruling party. Most performed poorly, except for a few exceptions. Teo Kay Key, a research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, said that while recent elections indicated a desire for political diversity, the latest Singapore Election 2025 results show voters are currently content with the current level of opposition representation.
However, he added that Singaporeans now appear to be “more selective in voting for the opposition,” as reflected in the Workers’ Party’s performance. The WP had campaigned on a platform emphasizing checks and balances, but this wasn’t enough to sway the majority in a time when economic stability was top of mind.
