KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has stormed back with a stronger mandate, winning 87 out of 97 seats and 65.57% of the national vote in the 2025 general election (GE2025), retaining its supermajority.
The result marks a rebound from the 2020 election, where the PAP secured 61.2%, and hands Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a resounding endorsement in his first general election as party leader. The party also clinched five seats uncontested in the Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC.
The results, announced live on national television by Returning Officer Han Kok Juan and published on the Elections Department (ELD) website, reinforce the PAP’s longstanding dominance since Singapore’s independence.
“This is a clear signal of trust, stability, and confidence in your government,” Wong said at a post-election press conference. “My immediate task is to form my cabinet. I will announce the lineup when ready.”
Wong, who took over from Lee Hsien Loong last year, faced voters amid global economic uncertainty, including the threat of renewed US tariffs. A key figure during Singapore’s Covid-19 response, Wong had warned that protectionist moves could hurt the trade-reliant city-state.
In Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC, Wong’s own team recorded a major boost in support, winning 73.46% of the vote – up from 63.18% in 2020.
Speaking to supporters at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, he said: “It’s been a very humbling experience… we are grateful once again for your strong mandate, and we will honour it.”
The main opposition Workers’ Party (WP) held onto its 10 seats in Hougang SMC, Aljunied GRC, and Sengkang GRC – matching its 2020 result. Despite attracting large crowds and fielding prominent candidates, including a top lawyer, the WP did not expand its footprint. The party is eligible for two Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) seats.
“I look forward to the contributions of the opposition MPs,” Wong added.
No other opposition party won any seats, including Red Dot United, Progress Singapore Party, People’s Alliance for Reform, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and others.
It was another disappointing outing for veteran opposition figure Dr Chee Soon Juan of the SDP, who lost to PAP’s Poh Li San in the newly created Sembawang West SMC.
Two independent candidates in Radin Mas SMC and Mountbatten SMC managed to retain their S$13,500 deposits after crossing the 12.5% vote threshold.
Voter turnout stood at 92.47%, with 2,429,281 votes cast, including 42,829 rejected ballots. The final result, for Tampines GRC, was declared at 1.50am earlier today.
Despite the landslide, GE2025 came after a turbulent year for the PAP. Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran was jailed for corruption, while a parliament speaker and MP resigned over an “inappropriate” affair.
Public attention also lingered on a family feud between former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong and his brother Lee Hsien Yang, who has sought asylum in the UK and backed the opposition.
Even as younger voters appear increasingly open to alternative voices, the PAP’s electoral machinery held firm. The party once again cemented its place at the centre of Singapore’s political landscape.
This was Singapore’s 19th general election, and the 14th since independence in 1965. — May 4, 2025