After U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hike, the economist Wong, who is also the Treasury secretary, called for guidance on Singapore through economic turmoil. The government lowered its trade forecasts and warned of a possible recession.
“This election is to test support for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership, but it will also reflect changes in Singapore’s politics, namely the embrace of alternative voices and the younger generation, under the leadership of young leaders.
Wong, 52, inherited Lee Hsien Loong, who resigned after taking the helm for twenty years. Lee serves as senior minister in the cabinet. But his retirement as prime minister ended a family dynasty, started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first leader, Lee Kuan Yew, who built the former colony's rear water into one of the world's wealthiest countries in 31 years.
Voters drip into schools and other designated polling stations to vote in a brief downpour. The voting in Singapore is mandatory, with nearly 2.76 million qualified voters. PAP won five of the 97 parliamentary seats due to no objection. The vote ended at 8.pm and it turned out to be famous in the early hours of Sunday. PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity, but Singapore is known for its strict government controls and the rising cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities, which has also led to unfortunate growth, especially among young voters. Expanding income differences, increasing housing, overcrowding and restrictions on freedom of speech have made PAP's control over power loose. In the 2020 election, PAP's share of universal suffrage voting was as low as 61%, down from nearly 70% in 2015. Despite retaining 83 of 93 parliaments, the opposition won the game with a record 10 seats.
Eugene Tan, a law professor at Singapore Management University, said young voters (estimated about a quarter) are more likely to accept appeals from Singapore’s political diversity and competition. During the nine-day campaign, young people flocked to the Workers' Party's rally.
The opposition said making it stronger in parliament would allow for a more balanced political system and greater accountability. But they face a difficult task, often struggling by a lack of resources and fragmented support. Critics say Gerrymandering also gives PAP an edge. The Workers' Party, the largest opposition contender, beat only 26 seats at smaller gatherings.
Wong tried to refresh the PAP, and Pap took over 32 new faces when several veterans bowed. He interacts with young voters through social media and promises to develop a more balanced and inclusive Singapore. As some of his ministers fought close-range battles with WP, Wong warned more opposition votes that would weaken the PAP team in the future economic hardship.
PAP's mass support may put more opponents in the opponent's seat, which will be a blow to Wong.
“The expectation is not going to reach 60% of the MPs vote. That's the threshold. If there is improvement, it will give PM Wong and his broad changes in the PAP. If PM Wong is terrible … it may face challenges for his leadership.”
