Singapore Holds Election Testing Dominance of Established Party
Voting Day Approaches: Singapore's Election Test
Get ready, folks! Singapore is gearing up for a crucial election this weekend, almost assuredly solidifying the People's Action Party's (PAP) continued reign. With economic turbulence looming on the horizon due to the global trade war, this election serves as a barometer for public approval of the new prime minister, Lawrence Wong, and the PAP's policies.
The election will shed light on the PAP's enduring authority, as opposition parties aim to capitalize on small, but groundbreaking gains made in the last contest. The PAP has historically secured landslide victories, netting roughly 90% of seats. However, the proportion of the popular vote, seen as a measure of the PAP's mandate, has drawn particular attention. Wong will strive to surpass the PAP's 60.1% share of the vote from the 2020 election, marking one of its poorest performances on record.
As a four-term prime minister, Wong, aged 52, has pledged continuity, fresh blood, and a leadership style all his own. He took office at the conclusion of Lee Hsien Loong's 20-year tenure, following in the footsteps of Lee Kuan Yew, the father of modern Singapore. Polls opened at 8 a.m. local time and will close at the same hour on Saturday, with results expected in the wee hours of Sunday.
Controversial issues, like living expenses and housing scarcity in one of the world's priciest urban centers, are essential considerations for the 2.76 million voters. The government has cautioned that the economy, heavily dependent on trade, could face recession if it becomes collateral damage in the trade war over punitive U.S. tariffs.
A Lopsided Contest
The PAP holds a significant advantage in Singapore's political landscape, boasting a strong membership, influence in state institutions, and abundant resources compared to less seasoned opposition parties. These latter groups are contesting only a small number of constituencies, with the PAP vying for all 97 seats. Odds of an upset might be slight, but some analysts predict that the election could reshape the political landscape in the coming years if the opposition demonstrates stronger performance.
"It's reasonable to expect the PAP's popular support will gradually dip in the years ahead," said political scientist Lam Peng Er from the National University of Singapore. "Would Singaporeans be surprised if the PAP's electoral support dipped to 57% or 58%? I don't think it would even shock the PAP at all."
The PAP, eager to steer clear of unexpected setbacks, has cautioned voters about the repercussions of losing seats for high-ranking government officials. Wong himself underscored the importance of preserving these key personnel to manage relationships with both China and the United States and navigate Singapore's vulnerable economy through potential economic storms.
"I've got backups... obviously," Wong told the 1.4 million-strong labor union on Thursday. "But everyone understands that the team can't function at the same level without everyone present."
- The People's Action Party (PAP), despite facing opposition, is expected to continue its dominance in Singapore's politics, aiming to secure all 97 seats in the upcoming election.
- While the PAP's electoral support may gradually decrease in the future, political scientist Lam Peng Er from the National University of Singapore predicts it would not be surprising if the PAP's support dips to 57% or 58% in this election.
- With the election serving as a barometer for public approval of the new prime minister, Lawrence Wong, the PAP has emphasized the importance of maintaining key personnel in policy-and-legislation to manage relationships with China, the United States, and navigate the country's vulnerable economy amid global trade turbulence.
- Opposition parties, although facing a significant disadvantage, can potentially reshape Singapore's political landscape in the coming years if they demonstrate strong performance in this election, especially on controversial issues like living expenses and housing scarcity that are of concern to voters.
