Singapore votes with new PM seeking strong mandate amid tariff turmoil

AFP/APP

Singapore: Singaporeans cast their votes Saturday 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.

Wong’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has steered the island to prosperity while maintaining strict control over dissent, is expected to retain a clear majority in parliament.

Polls opened at 8:00 am (0000 GMT) for 12 hours of voting, with early results expected to trickle in around midnight.

Popular for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong last year. Lee is the son of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country after its separation from Malaysia in 1965.

Wong has emphasized the need for a strong mandate to navigate Singapore through current economic uncertainties, particularly the impact of tariffs introduced by former US President Donald Trump.

“So I say to all Singaporeans, please consider carefully. This is not a gamble. This is your family, your future, our Singapore,” Wong said during the campaign.

‘Steady hand’

Political analyst Nydia Ngiow said while the PAP has long been regarded as a steady hand during crises, the recent tariff developments may not yet be a decisive factor for most voters.

“Given that general elections in Singapore tend to focus on local issues, it is unlikely that geopolitics will shape voters’ decisions — unless Singaporeans feel a direct and tangible impact on their cost of living, job security or the broader economy,” she told AFP.

Despite its dominance, the PAP faces growing challenges from a more politically engaged electorate, especially among younger voters open to alternative viewpoints.

“Young voters will be a factor in some wards. Unlike the older voters, they are prepared to listen to both sides and make an informed decision,” said veteran political observer and former news editor P.N. Balji.

Historical gains

In 2020, the Workers’ Party (WP), Singapore’s largest opposition group, made historic gains by winning 10 of the 93 parliamentary seats — a significant leap from its previous four.

This time, the WP is aiming to build on that momentum with a slate of charismatic candidates, including a prominent lawyer. The party has drawn large crowds to its campaign rallies, though such support hasn’t always translated into votes in past elections.

The WP has criticised the government for increasing the goods and services tax during a period of rising inflation, arguing that it has not done enough to control the cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive countries.

They stress the need for more opposition MPs to ensure the PAP does not hold a “blank cheque” in parliament.

In response, the PAP points to billions of Singapore dollars spent on cost-of-living support — including direct cash handouts and grocery vouchers — as part of its efforts to help citizens.

Singapore has approximately 2.75 million eligible voters who will elect 97 members of parliament.