- 48% voter turnout by noon as polling continues across Singapore.
- PM Lawrence Wong leads PAP in first election after Lee Hsien Loong’s retirement.
- Workers’ Party contests 26 seats, aiming to grow its parliamentary presence.
Polling is underway in Singapore’s 2025 General Election, with nearly half the electorate casting their votes by midday. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took over the leadership of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 2024. He is contesting his first general election as head of government.
Although the PAP is widely expected to retain power, the focus is on its vote share. This share is being closely watched as a measure of public sentiment.
Singapore GE2025: Voters Turn Out as Political Stakes Rise Under New Leadership
Voting began at 8 a.m. across Singapore, with polling stations seeing early queues and 48% turnout by noon. The Elections Department urged voters to consider casting their ballots in the afternoon to avoid morning congestion. Polling will conclude at 8 p.m., with results expected shortly thereafter.
This general election features 211 candidates vying for 97 parliamentary seats. Five of those seats are already secured by the PAP through uncontested walkovers. PM Wong’s PAP is contesting all seats. It hopes to reinforce its mandate amid an evolving political landscape and rising public expectations.
Overseas voting began on May 2 due to time zone differences. It saw participation from Singaporeans in cities like Dubai, London, and New York. In total, over 18,000 overseas voters are registered. More than 8,000 are expected to vote in person at designated missions globally.
Beyond domestic issues, the government faces external challenges like global economic headwinds and rising U.S. tariffs. Wong and his cabinet have emphasized the importance of a stable government to navigate these uncertainties. They frame this election as pivotal to ensuring continuity and resilience in Singapore’s governance.
As Singaporeans head to the polls, the 2025 general election stands as a defining moment for Lawrence Wong’s leadership. It is also crucial for the nation’s political future.
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” – Larry J. Sabato
