Singaporeans will cast their votes today in an election where Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first major test against a rejuvenated opposition in uncertain economic times for the trade-centred nation.
Some 2.6 million Singaporeans head to the polls amid a backdrop of global uncertainty, persistent inflation, and concerns over issues such as cost of living, housing and social mobility.
Popular after leading Singapore's Covid task force, Wong took over last year from his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew who ruled the island state after its bitter break-up with Malaysia in 1965.
Wong has repeatedly said he needed a strong mandate to navigate heavily trade-reliant Singapore through economic uncertainty considering tariffs levied by US President Donald Trump.
Five stadiums – three for the PAP, one for WP and one for SDP – have been designated as assembly centres and issued permits by the police’s Elections Permit Office. In all, 11 political parties and two independents are contesting in 32 constituencies, including several new ones following electoral boundary changes in March.
The PAP is fielding candidates in all constituencies, while the Worker’s Party is contesting 26 seats in eight constituencies – five GRCs and three SMCs. The PSP is fielding 13 candidates in six constituencies, including four SMCs.
Other parties in the race include the People’s Alliance for Reform, National Solidarity Party (NSP), Red Dot United, Singapore Democratic Party and People’s Power Party (PPP).
In 2020, the country's largest opposition group, the Workers' Party (WP), made historic gains, winning 10 of the 93 seats at stake – a significant jump from its previously held four seats.
After polls close at 8pm today, counting will begin immediately at designated centres.
Preliminary results from sample counts, which are based on a random tally of ballot papers from each polling station, are expected to be released earlier in the night to give an indication of the likely outcome. – May 3, 2025
