Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) emerged victorious in the recent elections held on Saturday, securing 65.6% of the vote and 97 of the 100 parliamentary seats. The election was heavily influenced by Singaporeans' apprehensions surrounding the rising cost of living, inflation, and economic stability. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who led the PAP for the first time since becoming party leader last year, positioned the party as the safe choice amidst fears of global economic turbulence.
Singapore's unique economic vulnerability, driven by its open and globalized market, has left many residents on edge about inflation, wage stagnation, and job security. Ian Chong, a political science professor at the National University of Singapore, commented on the nation's risk-averse nature, hinting that voters' anxiety has directed them towards the PAP as a stable governance option.
The main opposition party, the centre-left Workers' Party (WP), retained its existing 10 seats, although they were unable to secure additional seats amidst a divided political landscape. The PAP has been a dominant force in Singaporean politics since 1959, and has consistently enjoyed robust support from older demographics who have witnessed the nation thrive under its governance. However, critics point to issues such as gerrymandering and media restrictions that have illuminated the party's electoral advantages.
Despite controversies surrounding some PAP leaders in recent years, concerns over the economy overshadowed these issues during the election campaign. Wong campaigned on the promise of steering Singapore through turbulent times, emphasizing the potential dangers of electing more opposition members, which he argued could jeopardize effective governance at a critical juncture.
Voter sentiment reflected a desire for experience and stability as businesses faced growing uncertainties, echoing the sentiments of many who turned to the PAP for reassurance in tough times. Wong's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, where he appeared as a reliable public figure, also bolstered his credibility among voters. Significantly, Wong became the first PAP prime minister to improve vote shares in his initial election, deviating from the trend previously observed with new leaders.
The fragmented opposition landscape, featuring 10 political parties contesting the election, contributed to the PAP's resounding success, with most opposing parties performing poorly. While the WP's platform focused on economic issues, they still managed to capture increased votes in their core constituencies, asserting their position as the leading opposition party despite recent controversies affecting their leadership.
Pritam Singh, the WP leader, acknowledged the challenges posed by this election, but expressed determination to regroup and continue advocating for their platform. The outcomes signal a complex and evolving political narrative for Singapore as economic concerns continue to shape voters' preferences.
