Lessons Gleaned from GE2025: Implications for PAP and Opposition Parties in the Future Elections
In Singapore, the 2022 election saw a striking departure from past trends, as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong managed to amass a strong mandate, bucking the usual drop in vote share for an incumbent leader. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic uncertainties, Wong, as the leader of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), received a resounding 65.57% of the national vote.
This election marked Wong's first test as PAP secretary-general and as the leader of the fourth-generation team. In previous elections, each new Prime Minister facing their first election had performed worse than their previous showing by around 2 to 8 percentage points. However, Wong surpassed this, posting an improvement of more than 4 percentage points from the 2020 election.
Armed with a U.S. economics degree and a reputation for economic savvy, Wong appealed to voters worried about Singapore's economic future amid global trade tensions and potential recession. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, while heading the country's COVID task force, further boosted his credibility.
Voters seemed to prioritize political stability and economic safety over calls from opposition parties for greater checks and balances. Wong's message of continuity and a strong PAP team to face future challenges resonated with the electorate, who showed continued trust in the PAP's ability to manage the economy and maintain Singapore's competitiveness.
Wong's succession of long-time leader Lee Hsien Loong was seen as a smooth leadership transition, further bolstering Wong's popularity. Despite some public criticisms of the PAP for perceived aloofness and rising inequality, these concerns did not significantly impact Wong's electoral success. Instead, voters were primarily focused on proven economic management and stability, resulting in a landslide victory for the PAP.
- Commentary on theGE2025 in Singapore suggests that Wong's strong mandate and improved vote share could indicate a shift in global policy-and-legislation towards more stable and robust economics, possibly impacting global trade.
- The leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the 2022 election and the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn global attention, as his economic strategies and policy decisions may influence future general-news headlines and global trade negotiations.
- As the Singaporean elections approach in GE2025, Wong's ability to maintain trust in politics and maintain the country's economic competitiveness will be closely watched by economists and policymakers around the world, especially in light of ongoing global trade tensions and potential economic downturns.
