Singapore’s Parliament was officially dissolved on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the campaign period for the upcoming general election on 3 May, according to AP News.
The long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, is expected to secure another decisive victory, continuing its unbroken political dominance since the nation’s independence in 1965.
However, the election will serve as a key test for Wong, who took office just last year, as he seeks to regain public confidence after the PAP’s 2020 performance, its weakest in decades.
The upcoming vote will be Wong’s first as prime minister, following the departure of Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down after two decades in power. Lee’s exit marked the end of a political era shaped by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding leader who transformed the former British colony into a global economic powerhouse.
In the 2020 election, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the PAP retained its overwhelming parliamentary majority, winning 83 of 93 seats. Yet, the opposition Workers’ Party made historic gains, doubling its representation from six to ten seats. The PAP’s share of the popular vote also fell to 61%, near a record low, reflecting growing voter discontent over issues such as cost of living, immigration, and political freedoms.
Facing pressure to shore up support, Wong has rolled out a “Forward Singapore” initiative aimed at engaging younger citizens and addressing calls for a more inclusive society. The campaign emphasises collaborative policymaking, promising a “more balanced and vibrant” future.
The PAP is also renewing its ranks, with over 30 new candidates set to contest the election. In a recent Facebook post, Wong framed the vote as a choice between stability and uncertainty, warning that global economic headwinds demand experienced leadership.
The biggest contest we face isn’t between political parties, it’s Singapore vs the world. Our mission… is clear: to keep our nation a shining beacon of stability, progress and hope.
