As Singapore heads to the polls, a divided nation weighs the future under Prime Minister Laurence Wong’s leadership amidst global economic uncertainty and US trade policy sparks controversy.
Singapore, a country with a population of about 6 million and one of the richest countries per capita in the world, is set to go to the polls on Saturday. The ‘The People’s Action Party’ (PAP), which has ruled since Singapore’s independence in 1965, is facing its toughest test yet against a rejuvenated opposition. New Prime Minister Laurence Wong says he needs a strong mandate to navigate the country through the trade war and economic uncertainty.
Singapore has a parliamentary representative democratic system, where citizens elect members to the Parliament.
The government is led by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Elections are held every five years unless called earlier by the President.
Citizens aged 21 and above can vote.
The electoral system uses a first-past-the-post method, with single-member constituencies.
The ruling party has dominated politics since independence in 1965.
A Country Divided
The vote is not just about the PAP’s dominance but also about Wong’s leadership style. Although the party has consistently won in landslides, its dominance is increasingly being challenged by a younger, more vocal electorate. In the last election in 2020, ‘the Workers’ Party‘ (WP), the country’s largest opposition group, won 10 of the 93 seats at stake, a significant jump from its previously held four seats.
The Stakes are High
Singapore faces the prospect of higher tariffs on its exports to the United States. US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on Singapore-made goods, currently paused for 90 days. As a major Asian trade hub, Singapore would also be severely impacted by any downturn in global trade, particularly exports from China to the US.
The People’s Action Party
The PAP says it has spent billions of dollars to help citizens cope with rising costs, including via cash handouts and grocery vouchers. However, the opposition argues that more needs to be done to tackle the cost of living crisis. The party has also been accused of using an iron fist to suppress dissent.
Singapore is a major financial hub, ranking among the world's top three financial centers.
Its GDP per capita is one of the highest globally, driven by a strong trade-oriented economy and a highly developed services sector.
The country has a favorable business environment, with a low corporate tax rate and ease of doing business.
Singapore is also a significant logistics and transportation hub, with a strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping lanes.
A New Era
The PAP has won every election since Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965. While the party steered the island to prosperity, it has also been criticized for its one-party dominance. Wong’s government has warned of recession if Singapore becomes collateral damage in the worsening trade war.
Singapore has a parliamentary representative democratic republic system.
The government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial.
The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, while the President holds ceremonial duties.
The Parliament consists of 93 members elected by universal suffrage.
Singapore's politics are known for being stable and corruption-free, with a strong emphasis on economic development.
The Future is Uncertain
A strong PAP performance would help seal Wong’s leadership and determine whether the one-party dominance in Singapore could endure over the next decade. However, with the opposition fielding 26 candidates, voters have a choice between continuity and change.
